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Deciphering uptake mechanisms of potentially toxic elements in seaweeds using high resolution imaging analysis
Antón Vázquez-Arias1, Conxi Rodríguez-Prieto2, Yosuke Yamada3
1Bioaplic Researh Group, Department of Botany, Faculty of Biology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela 15782, Spain.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|August 30, 2025
Summary
Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) like lead in seaweed accumulate in cell walls, while essential elements like zinc are regulated within cells. This difference impacts seaweed vulnerability to pollution and ecosystem health.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Biogeochemistry
Background:
- Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) pose a threat to marine coastal ecosystems by impacting seaweed populations.
- Understanding the uptake and release mechanisms of PTEs in seaweeds is vital for assessing their ecological impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the subcellular localization and dynamics of PTEs (specifically lead and zinc) in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus.
- To differentiate the behavior of metabolically essential versus non-essential PTEs within seaweed tissues.
Main Methods:
- Transplantation of Fucus vesiculosus thalli to sites with varying pollution levels.
- Analysis of subcellular PTE distribution using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS).
Main Results:
- Lead (Pb) primarily localized to the cell wall, showing accumulation at polluted sites and reduction at unpolluted sites.
- Metabolically important PTEs (manganese and zinc) showed higher intracellular concentrations and responded similarly across sites, suggesting metabolic regulation and stress responses.
- Non-metabolic PTEs like Pb remain in equilibrium with the environment, while essential PTEs are internally regulated.
Conclusions:
- The subcellular localization and metabolic role of PTEs dictate their toxicity and accumulation patterns in seaweeds.
- This differential accumulation influences seaweed vulnerability to pollution and the overall health of marine ecosystems.
- Findings aid in developing strategies to protect seaweed populations and the coastal ecosystems they support.
