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Metal(oid)s in Ulva - should we be worried?
Liliana Vargas-Murga1, Ömerhan Dürrani2, Jessica Adams3
1Department of Chemical and Agricultural Engineering and Agrifood Technology, Polytechnic School, Universitat de Girona, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain.
Food Chemistry
|August 28, 2025
Summary
Ulva seaweeds are nutritious but can accumulate toxic metals. This review highlights the need for standardized methods and species identification to ensure safe consumption and effective biomonitoring.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Food Science
Background:
- Ulva spp. (sea lettuce) are recognized for their nutritional value and potential health benefits.
- However, Ulva's capacity to accumulate trace elements, including toxic metals, poses food safety risks and offers opportunities for biomonitoring.
- Variability in metal content necessitates a comprehensive understanding for safe utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review and synthesize existing literature on metal(oid) accumulation in Ulva.
- To identify factors influencing element content and assess the safety of Ulva as a food resource.
- To highlight research gaps and propose recommendations for future studies and applications.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and critical analysis of 176 peer-reviewed publications.
- Data extraction focused on essential and non-essential element content in Ulva.
- Analysis considered environmental conditions, geographic origin, morphology, and analytical techniques.
Main Results:
- Significant variability in element content was observed across different Ulva samples.
- Factors such as environmental conditions, geographic location, and analytical methods significantly influence metal accumulation.
- Current data lacks detailed speciation of toxic elements (e.g., methylmercury, inorganic arsenic), limiting precise safety assessments.
Conclusions:
- Standardized analytical protocols and improved taxonomic identification (using molecular tools) are crucial for reliable Ulva research.
- Further investigation into understudied regions and element speciation is needed to accurately assess safety and biomonitoring potential.
- Standardized cultivation practices are essential for controlling elemental composition in farmed Ulva for food and commercial use.
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