Trace element concentrations in seaweeds of the Arabian Gulf identified by morphology and DNA barcodes

Abstract Even though seaweeds have been considered a nutrient-rich dietary source of minerals in other parts the world, there is little knowledge about trace element accumulation Arabian Gulf. The Gulf particular interest due to being an extreme environment, as it features some highest temperatures and salinities observed any marine waters world. This study determined contents using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) 10 most common this region ( Iyengaria stellata , Padina boergesenii Chondria sp . Feldmannia indica Codium papillatum Sargassum aquifolium Ulva chaugulii tepida sp.) supported by morphological molecular (DNA barcode)-based identification. finding U. reported here new record for Kuwait. Most were rich essential including Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe Zn their higher than those mineral-rich foods. Principal component analysis revealed species-specific distributions seaweeds. I found be exceptionally macro- elements along with low As Se, thus can utilized food feed applications.