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Trace element uptake by macroalgae: Organic colloids as a source of metals, including Fe and rare earth elements
Jean-Alix Barrat1, Thierry Heulin2, Germain Bayon3
1Univ Brest, CNRS, Ifremer, IRD, LEMAR, Institut Universitaire Européen de la Mer (IUEM), rue Dumont d'Urville, 29280, Plouzané, France; Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France.
Chemosphere
|November 30, 2024
Summary
Brown macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum accumulate trace elements from organic colloids, not just seawater or particles. This vital process impacts nutrient uptake and the health of coastal ecosystems.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Chemistry
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Ascophyllum nodosum is a dominant brown macroalgae in the North Atlantic.
- Trace element concentrations in marine organisms are influenced by various environmental factors.
- Understanding metal bioaccumulation in algae is crucial for assessing coastal ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine trace element concentrations in Ascophyllum nodosum.
- To investigate the sources and mechanisms of trace element bioaccumulation in this macroalgae.
- To assess the ecological implications of metal uptake by algae.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of Ascophyllum nodosum from the Bay of Brest and its contributing river estuary.
- Analysis of trace element concentrations, including rare earth elements and Yttrium (REY).
- Calculation of elemental ratios (Y/Ho, Al/Ga, Zr/Hf) to infer sources.
Main Results:
- Elemental ratios suggest sources other than seawater or terrigenous particles.
- Strong correlations between REY, Ga, Al, Th, Sc, Pb, Cr, and Fe abundances were observed.
- Evidence points to colloidal uptake onto algal surfaces as the primary mechanism for metal bioaccumulation.
Conclusions:
- Organic colloids are a significant source of essential nutrients like iron for Ascophyllum nodosum.
- Algal bioaccumulation of trace metals, including potentially toxic ones like lead, has implications for coastal ecosystems.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the biological pathways for metal assimilation in algae.
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