Related Experiment Videos
Sponge 'sentinel' of heavy metals
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 1, 1985
Summary
Siliceous sponges show species-specific accumulation of trace metals, making them excellent bioindicators. A global
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Biomonitoring
Background:
- Coastal ecosystems face pollution from trace metals and halogens.
- Understanding bioindicator species is crucial for effective environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of siliceous sponges as bioindicators for 17 trace metals and halogens.
- To compare the bioaccumulation capabilities of two Demospongia species, Spirastrella cuspidifera and Prostylyssa foetida.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of trace metal and halogen concentrations in sponge tissues and ambient waters.
- Species-specific quantification of bioaccumulation for various elements including Cd, Cr, Sn, Ni, Co, Zn, Ti, Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe, Sr, I, and Br.
Main Results:
- Spirastrella cuspidifera demonstrated significant accumulation of Cd, Cr, Sn, and Ni, orders of magnitude higher than ambient levels.
- Prostylyssa foetida showed lower accumulation of these metals, with some elements like Cu, Mn, Pb, Fe, and Sr being higher in this species.
- Halogen levels (I, Br) were similar in both species, and bioaccumulation was attributed to sponge tissue, not symbionts.
Conclusions:
- Siliceous sponges exhibit species-specific trace metal accumulation, highlighting their potential as sensitive bioindicators.
- A global 'sponge watch programme' is proposed for monitoring coastal ecosystem health against toxic pollutants.