Metals in intertidal gastropods: Relationship between species and feeding habits

This study took place in Punta del Hidalgo, Tenerife (Canary Islands, Spain), an intertidal zone known for its rich biodiversity. The location was carefully chosen to ensure a consistent environment for studying metal accumulation in nine species of gastropods: Patella aspera, Patella candei crenata, Phorcus atratus, Phorcus sauciatus, Siphonaria pectinata, Littorina littorea, Isara cornea, Micromelo undatus, and Stramonita haemastoma. Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), analyzed concentrations of metals: Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Li, and Zn (mg/kg). Predators like M. undatus and S. haemastoma accumulated higher levels of metals, likely due to their diet and proximity to contaminated sediments. In contrast, herbivores like P. aspera exhibited lower levels, though species like L. littorea reflected the impact of human activity, showing elevated Cd and Zn levels. These findings highlight how diet, habitat, and human influences shape metal accumulation, offering valuable insights for ecological and environmental management.