[Metal concentrations in benthic marine algae in 3 regions of the state of Rio de Janeiro]

The concentrations of zinc, cadmium and copper were determined in different benthic algal species from some sites located in Guanabara Bay, Sepetiba Bay and Ribeira Bay (State of Rio de Janeiro). The aim is to verify the possibility of using algae as indicators of metallic contamination in these areas. According to our results, the highest concentrations of Zn and Cd in algae were observed in Sepetiba Bay. In this region, the differences among the concentrations of the metals were analysed in three sampling sites. Padina gymnospora was the species recommended to monitor the contamination of Zn and Cd in Sepetiba Bay, for the following reasons: 1) its great abundance and distribution in the areas, and 2) its high ability to accumulate metals. More studies are suggested to evaluate the levels of metals in Guanabara Bay.