Study of Heavy Metals and Other Elements in Macrophyte Algae Using Energy-dispersive X-ray Fluorescence

Fucus vesiculosus L. seaweeds from three estuarine stations were analysed by X-ray fluorescence, providing results for the concentration of total In order to study the differential accumulation of heavy metals by different parts of Fucus, four different structures of the algae, base, stipe reproductive organs and growing tips, were analysed. Some elements (e.g. Cu and Fe) are preferentially accumulated in the base of the algae, whereas others (e.g. As) exhibit higher concentrations in the reproductive organs and growing tips. The pattern of accumulation in different structures is similar for Cu, Zn and Pb, but for other metals there is considerable variability between parts of the plant. This is important in determining which structures of the plant are used for biomonitoring. For samples collected at stations subject to differing metal loads, the relative elemental composition is approximately constant, notwithstanding significant variation in absolute values. The proportion of metals in Fucus is similar to that found in other estuaries, where metal concentrations are significantly lower. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence has been shown to be a suitable technique for multi-element analysis in this type of sample. No chemical pre-treatment is required, minimising sample contamination. The small amount of sample required, and the wide range of elements which may simultaneously be detected, make it a valuable tool for pollution studies.