Application of macroalgae analysis to assess the natural variability in selected pollution concentrations (N and Hg), and to detect sources of it in coastal environments

Abstract Here we present a new method in which algae are used to detect sources of heavy metal and organic pollution in coastal areas. The procedure involves characterization of the natural range of concentrations of the elements in areas not affected by local sources of pollution and subsequent comparison of concentrations in the study site to these natural range levels. To develop the method, the concentrations of various elements were determined in specimens of the macroalgae Fucus vesiculosus collected at >150 sampling sites along the shoreline. The natural variability in the element concentrations in these zones was established by determining the differences in the tissue concentrations of the elements between pairs of samples separated by different distances. The method was then tested in the surroundings of possible sources of nitrogen and was found to be a tool for detecting sources of small scale nitrogen contamination and for monitoring and evaluating water quality.