Interspecific and geographical variations of trace metal concentrations in cephalopods from Tunisian waters

The concentrations of six metals (Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were investigated and compared in three tissues (arms, digestive gland, and mantle) of three cephalopod species from the Tunisian waters: the common octopus (Octopus vulgaris), the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), and the European squid (Loligo vulgaris). Whatever the species or the sites, the digestive gland displayed the highest concentrations of Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, highlighting its major role in their bioaccumulation and detoxification. This is also true for Hg but only for the digestive gland of O. vulgaris. Muscle from the arms and the mantle contained thus relatively low trace metal concentrations except for Hg in L. vulgaris and S. officinalis. Geographic comparison of metal concentrations in Tunisian cephalopods from three locations indicates that higher concentrations of Ag, Pb, and Hg were observed in cephalopods from northern and eastern coasts, whereas the highest Cd levels were detected in the southeastern, reflecting different conditions of exposure. Comparing the trace element concentrations between species, Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn concentrations were the highest in the digestive gland of octopuses. This may be related to the differences in ecological features and swimming behavior among different cephalopod species. Effects of length and sex on metal levels were also considered, indicating a limited influence of sex on metal concentration.     

Cd,Cr, Cu,Pb, and Zn concentrations in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ulva lactuca,Codium fragile,Jania rubens,</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dictyota dichotoma</Emphasis> from Rabta Bay,Jijel (Algeria)

Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined in algae samples collected from the Rabta Bay in the Mediterranean Sea, Algeria. The levels of heavy metals in the macroalgae, Ulva lactuca, Codium fragile (green algae), Jania rubens (red algae), and Dictyota dichotoma (brown algae) recorded high concentrations except for Cd. Moreover, Zn was the most predominant metal in the seaweeds. The obtained HM contents indicate that different species demonstrate various degree of metal accumulation and the obtained higher values in site 1 of the studied zone can be attributed to the discharge influence of two rivers (Mouttas and Larayeche Rivers), entering the Mediterranean Sea and local pollutant emissions. The abundance of heavy metal concentrations in the macroalgae samples was found in the order below: Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd from the studied zone. The highest amounts of heavy metals in algae samples were Cd, Cu, and Pb in brown algae, and Cr and Zn in green and brown algae from the studied zone (Rabta Bay).     

Historical trace metal fluxes in the Mexico City Metropolitan Zone as evidenced by a sedimentary record from the Espejo de los Lirios lake

The accumulation of selected trace metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) was studied in a sediment core collected at Espejo de los Lirios lake, a precipitation-dominated seepage lake in Northern Mexico City Metropolitan Zone (MCMZ). A (210)Pb-derived chronology, obtained from the same core, was used to reconstruct the historical metal fluxes at the site, allowing evaluation of the impact of environmental changes promoted by the development of the City during the last approximately 125 years. The highest levels of metal enrichment above natural concentration levels (NCL) in the sediments from Espejo de los Lirios lake were found for Ag and Pb (approximately 250%) as well as a slight enrichment for Cd (55%), Cr (84%), Co (20%), Cu (60%), Hg (47%), Ni (45%), V (59%) and Zn (66%). Fluxes of trace metals appeared to have noticeably increased from the last 45 years showing the maximum increments for Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, V and Zn during the 1980's (9 to 13 fold natural fluxes), for Ag and Cu (17 and 12 fold, respectively) during the 1990's and for Hg and Pb (2 and 13 fold) during the middle 1970's. Low levels of metal enrichment observed have evidenced that the most conspicuous consequences of the expansive growth of this area of the MCMZ, are mostly related to deforestation and erosion of the surrounding areas, rather than to trace metal pollution. Based on PCA, it can be assumed that atmospheric deposition, weathering of bedrock and soil within the watershed and authigenic production, are the most important processes that explain the trace metal distribution in the site.     

Bioavailability of copper,cadmium, zinc,and lead in tropical savanna soils assessed by diffusive gradient in thin films (DGT) and ion exchange resin membranes

The technique of diffusion gradient in thin films (DGT) for assessing bioavailable metals has not been tested under field conditions. We assessed the relationships of DGT- and cation exchange resin-membrane-measured concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn with plant uptake of the metals under greenhouse and field conditions. In the greenhouse, the effective concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn by DGT correlated significantly with uptake by sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), but cation exchange resin-membrane-measured concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn did not correlate with sorghum uptake. In the field, the DGT-measured concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn were not linearly related to uptake Cd, Pb, and Zn by lettuce (Lactuca sativa) except for Cu uptake (r = 0.87, p < 0.05). Similarly, it was only the resin-membrane-extractable Pb that correlated with Pb uptake by lettuce (r = 0.77; p < 0.05). However, fitting non-linear regression models improved the plant metal uptake predictions by DGT-measured bioavailable Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn under field conditions. In conclusion, the DGT technique was fairly predictive of bioavailability in the greenhouse, but not in the field.     

Biomonitoring of Lead, Zinc, and Cadmium in Streams Draining Lead-Mining and Non-Mining Areas, Southeast Missouri, USA

We evaluated exposure of aquatic biota to lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) in streams draining a Pb-mining district in southeast Missouri. Samples of plant biomass (detritus, periphyton, and filamentous algae), invertebrates (snails, crayfish, and riffle benthos), and two taxa of fish were collected from seven sites closest to mining areas (mining sites), four sites further downstream from mining (downstream sites), and eight reference sites in fall 2001. Samples of plant biomass from mining sites had highest metal concentrations, with means 10- to 60-times greater than those for reference sites. Mean metal concentrations in over 90% of samples of plant biomass from mining sites were significantly greater than those from reference sites. Mean concentrations of Pb, Zn, and Cd in most invertebrate samples from mining sites, and mean Pb concentrations in most fish samples from mining sites, were also significantly greater than those from reference sites. Concentrations of all three metals were lower in samples from downstream sites, but several samples of plant biomass from downstream sites had metal concentrations significantly greater than those from reference sites. Analysis of supplemental samples collected in the fall of 2002, a year of above-average stream discharge, had lower Pb concentrations and higher Cd concentrations than samples collected in 2001, near the end of a multi-year drought. Concentrations of Pb measured in fish and invertebrates collected from mining sites during 2001 and 2002 were similar to those measured at nearby sites in the 1970s, during the early years of mining in the Viburnum Trend. Results of this study demonstrate that long-term Pb mining activity in southeast Missouri has resulted in significantly elevated concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Zn in biota of receiving streams, compared to biota of similar streams without direct influence of mining. Our results also demonstrate that metal exposure in the study area differed significantly among sample types, habitats, and years, and that these factors should be carefully considered in the design of biomonitoring studies.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mazzaella laminarioides</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcothalia crispata</Emphasis> as possible bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in the marine coastal zone of Chile

The suitability of Mazzaella laminarioides and Sarcothalia crispata as heavy metal biomonitors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn was assessed by comparing bioaccumulation of these elements in different life stages and frond sizes in samples from three locations, San Vicente Bay (industrial area), Coliumo, and Quidico (the latter as a reference station), where different degrees of heavy metal pollution are recorded. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were evaluated. The two macroalgae species showed similar patterns, with higher values of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in polluted areas. M. laminarioides bioaccumulated higher concentrations of all metals assessed than S. crispata, independent of life stage and frond size. The results also showed significantly higher Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations (p < 0.05) in water samples from San Vicente Bay than those measured in Coliumo and Quidico. Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn in San Vicente Bay and Cd, Hg, and Pb in Coliumo and Quidico exceed the mean values considered to represent natural concentrations (Cu = 3.00 μg L^?1; Zn = 5.00 μg L^?1; Pb = 0.03 μg L^?1; Cd = 0.05 μg L^?1; Hg = 0.05 μg L^?1); however, the concentrations recorded do not cause negative effects on the growth and survival of macroalgae. The assessment of heavy metals bioaccumulated in M. laminarioides and S. crispata, particularly Hg, Pb, and Zn, offers a reliable approach for pollution assessment in rocky intertidal environments. Cu and Cd concentrations in seawater samples from San Vicente and Coliumo Bays were significantly higher than in those from Quidico (p value < 0.05); no significant differences in Cd concentrations were observed between San Vicente and Coliumo Bays (p < 0.05). Exceptionally, Cd is bioaccumulated at high levels independent of its availability in the water, thus reaching high concentrations in control areas. High concentrations of metals like Cu and Zn may limit or inhibit Cd uptake in macroalgae, since the transport channels are saturated by some metals, reducing the accumulation of others. These macroalgae species offer good potential for the development of suitable heavy metal pollution survey tools in rocky intertidal environments.     

Heavy Metal Levels in Biota and Sediments in the Northern Coast of the Marmara Sea

Concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu were determinedin biota and sediment samples collected from the Marmara Sea in Turkey. The levels of Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu in the macroalgae are higher than previous studies in the Marmara Sea. Moreover, Cu and Zn concentrations at the present study are significantly high than Bosphorus and Black Sea algae. The order heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co. The metal concentrations are generally lower when compared with the Black Sea mussels except Pb. At the same time, concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn in the mussel species are lower when compared with the results in the Aegean Sea. The ranges of Mn and Cu in the tested fish samples are higher than Black Sea fish. On the other hand, Cd, Co, Cr, Zn and Pb concentrations are lower. The northern coast of the Marmara Sea having the highest metal concentrations in sediments as follows: Co, Cr, Ni, Fe at ?arköy ; Pb, Cu at M. Ere?li; Cd, Zn, Mn at Menek?e. The heavy metal levels in the sediment samples are lower than other areas in the Marmara Sea.     

Accumulation of some heavy metals in Hysterothylacium aduncum (Nematoda) and its host sea bream, Sparus aurata (Sparidae) from North-Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Iskenderun Bay)

The sea bream??s nematode and Sparus aurata, sampled from the Iskenderun Bay, Mediterranean, in March 2008 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma?Catomic emission spectrometry for their some heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mg, Pb, and Zn) levels. The metal concentrations of the parasites were compared to different organs (liver, muscle, gill, intestine, and skin) of the fish hosts. There were significant differences in Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Hg, Mg, and Pb concentrations in tissues of fish and its parasite. The parasite Cd, Cu, and Pb concentration was higher than the other tissues. Furthermore, significant differences were detected in the heavy metal accumulations between the parasitized and unparasitized fish tissues in Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb concentrations. The Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations were found in fish muscle at mean concentrations over the permissible limits proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization.     

长沙市某集中式饮用水水源地周边土壤重金属污染特征和风险评价

以长沙某河库兼用型饮用水水源地一、二级保护区土壤为研究对象,于2018年8月采用网格布点法在一级和二级保护区分别布设3个和7个采样点,在水源地历史采样区布设5个采样点,探究土壤中Cd、Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn、Ni、Hg、As的含量分布及污染水平。结果表明：土壤中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn的含量均值分别为46.56、4.90、81.87、46.64、0.19、30.11、75.11、237.93 mg/kg。重金属元素含量均值超过农用地污染风险筛选值的样品占比排序为Cd （86.7%）>Zn （60%）>As （53.3%）>Cu （6.7%）=Pb （6.7%）。土壤中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn的单因子污染指数分别为1.55、16.34、0.41、0.47、0.08、0.30、0.63、0.95,主要为Cd、As污染。研究区土壤重金属综合污染指数为11.71,属重污染等级。水源地一级保护区、二级保护区、历史采样区2018年、历史采样区2014年土壤重金属综合污染指数分别为20.41、14.94、1.98、1.17。后期应加强对该饮用水水源地土壤中Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、As的污染控制和治理。     

Effects of multi-metal toxicity on the performance of sewage treatment system during the festival of colors (Holi) in India

The present study investigated the effects of heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb) toxicity on the performance of 18 MLD activated sludge process-based sewage treatment plant (STP) during celebration of Holi (festival of colors in India). The composite sampling (n?=?32) was carried out during the entire study period. The findings show a significant decrease in chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency (20%) of activated sludge system, after receiving the heavy metals laden wastewater. A significant reduction of 40% and 60% were observed in MLVSS/MLSS ratio and specific oxygen uptake rate, which eventually led to a substantial decrease in biomass growth yield (from 0.54 to 0.17). The toxic effect of metals ions was also observed on protozoan population. Out of the 12 mixed liquor species recorded, only two ciliates species of Vorticella and Epistylis exhibited the greater tolerance against heavy metals toxicity. Furthermore, activated sludge shows the highest metal adsorption affinity for Cu, followed by Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd (Cu?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cd). Finally, this study proves the robustness of activated sludge system against the sudden increase in heavy metal toxicity since it recovered the earlier good quality performance within 5?days.     

Radon level and radon effective dose rate determination using SSNTDs In Sannur cave, Eastern desert of Egypt

The European eel’s swimbladder nematode, Anguillicola crassus, sampled from the Asi River (Orontes River) in Antakya (Hatay, Turkey) in May 2006 were analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for their some heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) levels. The metal concentrations of the parasites were compared to different organs (swimbladder, liver, muscle and skin) of the fish hosts. The parasite contained statistically highly significantly amounts of Fe (P < 0.05). The iron level of nematode was up to 25.52 times than the muscle of its host, Anguilla anguilla. However, bioconcentration of Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb, Zn were detected in the A. crassus and it contained no statistically differences with the other tissues of its host, the eel (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant differences were detected in the heavy metal accumulations between the parasitized and un-parasitized fish tissues. The analysed metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) were found in fish muscle at mean concentrations under the permissible limits proposed by FAO.     

Assessment of heavy metal enrichment in the offshore fine-grained sediments of the Caspian Sea

Sampling of the offshore seabed sediments of southwestern part of the Caspian Sea was carried out by gravity corer in order to study heavy metal concentration and the physicochemical factors controlling their distribution in the fine-grained fraction. The grain size distribution, amount, and type of clay minerals, total organic carbon (TOC) content, and Eh–pH of the sediments were determined. The average concentrations of the heavy metals in ppm are Mn (563), Cu (207.5), Sr (187), Zn (94), Pb (26.3), Ni (14.5), Co (11.5), Cd (2.56), and Ag (1.04) in their order of abundances. Co and Zn mostly indicate increase in silt-size fraction of the sediments suggesting their probable detrital provenance but the Mn, Ni, Cu, Sr, Pb, Cd, and Ag concentrations show a similar trend to distribution of the clay-size fraction. The concentrations of Mn, Co, and Cd increase with increase in the TOC content but the Cu, Pb, Ni, Ag, and Sr concentrations decrease with increase of the TOC content. The amounts of Zn, Cu, Sr, Pb, Cd, and Ag increase with increase in the CaCO₃ content. The calculated enrichment factor indicates that the sediments are very strong to extremely enriched in Ag, significantly enriched in Cu and Cd, and depleted to mineral for Pb, Sr, Co, Ni, and Zn. Variations of the Cu, Sr, Cd, Ag, and Pb concentrations are similar to the clay and CaCO₃ distributions.     

湖南省某冶炼厂周边农田土壤重金属污染及生态风险评价

利用野外采样与实验室分析相结合的方法,以湖南省某冶炼厂周边农田土壤(0~20 cm)为研究对象,监测了Cd、As、Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn、Hg等7种重金属的含量,并对重金属污染程度与潜在生态风险进行了评价。结果表明,7种重金属都存在不同程度的超标或污染,其中Cd、As、Pb等的污染较为严重。统计学分析结果表明,Pb、As、Hg、Zn、Cd等来源相同,可能主要都来自于人为污染,即冶炼作业造成的污染。7种重金属化学形态不尽相同:在重金属有效态中,Cd的水溶态和可提取态较高;Pb、Cu、Zn可还原态、可氧化态这两部分含量较高。而Hg、As、Cr的残渣态含量较高。风险评价代码评价结果表明,Cd的生态风险较高,4.5%的样点Cd为极高生态风险,52.8%的样点Cd为高生态风险,42.7%的样点Cd为中度生态风险;100%的样点Zn为中度生态风险;Cu有60.1%的样点属于低生态风险,39.9%的样点属于中度生态风险;As、Pb主要以低生态风险为主(所占比例分别为77.2%、80%);Hg主要以无生态风险为主(所占94.3%)。Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法计算的综合潜在生态风险指数(RI)的范围为46.4~1 627.5,表明研究区域农田土壤存在很高的生态风险。上述各项结果综合表明,研究区农田土壤受到了严重的重金属污染,由此引起的重金属生态风险应引起高度关注。     

鄱阳湖沉积物重金属空间分布及潜在生态风险评价

通过分析鄱阳湖沉积物重金属空间分布特征,评价其潜在生态风险,并探讨了主要重金属污染来源。结果表明:鄱阳湖沉积物7种重金属元素Cd、Hg、As、Cu、Pb、Cr、Zn含量平均值分别为0.67、0.078、17、51、72、42.9、117 mg/kg,除Cd外,其余6种元素均明显高于相应的背景值。从空间分布来看,Cd、Cr含量总体呈现东南、西北部偏高的现象,而Hg、Cu、Pb含量总体呈现东南部偏高的现象,As、Zn的含量分布相对平均。Hg、Cu、Pb、Zn 4种金属元素之间存在极显著相关性,表明这些元素污染具有同源性。潜在生态风险评价结果显示,单个重金属潜在生态风险顺序为CuHgPbCdAsCrZn;从综合潜在生态风险分析来看,整个湖区的RI值为46.4~476.3,平均值为165.4,属于中等潜在生态危害,其中湖区东南部综合潜在生态风险最高。Cu、Hg、Pb等重金属主要来自乐安河流域工业排放。     

Indigenous Heavy Metal Multiresistant Microbiota of Las Catonas Stream

Las Catonas stream (Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area) receives a complex mixture of pollutants from point and diffuse sources because of the agricultural, industrial and urban land uses of its basin. Widespread detection of heavy metals exceeding aquatic life protection levels has occurred in monitoring reconnaissance studies in surface and pore water. As a result of the screening of Cu, Cd, Zn and Pb resistant/tolerant and culturable microbiota, B101N and 200H strains (Pseudomonas fluorescens or putida) were isolated and selected for further studies. They showed 65% Cd and 35% Zn extraction efficiency from aqueous phase. The potential use of these strains in wastewater treatment is currently investigated in order to contribute to decrease heavy metal pollution, a problem affecting every stream of Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area.     

Biomonitoring study of heavy metals in biota and sediments in the South Eastern coast of Mediterranean sea, Egypt

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Zn, Mn and Fe were determined in biota and sediment samples collected from the Eastern Harbour and El-Mex Bay in the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt. The levels of Cu, Co, Zn, Mn and Fe in the macroalgae, Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha compressa (green algae) and Jania rubens (red algae), recorded high concentrations except for Cd. Moreover, Fe was the most predominant metal in the seaweed. The two species of bivalves, Donax trunculus and Paphia textile, showed different amounts of metals in their tissue. The abundance of heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was found in the order Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Co> Cd and Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Co, respectively for the two species. The metals concentrations were generally higher compared with the previous studies in mussels from the same area. The levels of metals accumulated in the investigated fish samples, Saurida undosquamis, Siganus rivulatus, Lithognathus mormyrus and Sphyraena sphyraena, were higher than those of Marmara Sea (Turkey), for Co and Cd and lower for Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe. El-Mex Bay having the highest metals concentration in sediments as their order of abundance were Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Co. Nevertheless, a high variability in the metal levels occurs among the studied algae and biota and also between the investigated Harbour. A significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found for each of Zn and Fe in P. textile and of Co in D. trunculus relative to their concentrations in surficial sediments.     

Uptake of metal ions in moss from artificial precipitation

Uptake in Hylocomium splendens and Sphagnum fuscum, of Zn, Cu, Cd, and Pb from artificial solutions of precipitation at ambient concentration levels was investigated. The primary objective was to study to what extent major cations and possibility anions in the precipitation might affect the uptake by competition or possibly by complexing reactions. In addition the effect on metal uptake of pH and temperature was studied. The uptake of Zn and partly Cu was lower from precipitation with a high content of seasalt. With increasing metal concentration an increasing amount of Zn and Cu accumulated in the moss. These observations suggest that cations in the precipitation such as Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ may affect the uptake by competition. Possibly also Cl^- may interfere by complexing reactions. Uptake of Zn and Cd was pH dependent. The uptake of all four metals increased with temperature. The results from this work appear to be significant with respect to the interpreation of data from atmospheric deposition surveys based on moss analysis.     

Lichen biomonitoring of trace metals in the Pistoia area (central northern Italy)

The epiphytic lichen Parmelia caperata (L.) Ach. was used as bioaccumulator of the heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn in the environs of the town of Pistoia (central northern Italy). The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Hg and Pb were comparable with those found in areas not subject to atmospheric pollution. Copper and especially Zn were found in rather high concentrations. Fertilizers and pesticides were the main source of atmospheric contamination.     

淮安市某垃圾填埋场重金属污染现状调查

对淮安市某垃圾填埋场土壤中13个采样点中典型重金属 Cr、Pb、As、Hg、Cd、Cu、Zn 的含量进行了调查,采用单因子污染指数、综合污染指数及 Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法评价了土壤中典型重金属对其所在环境的污染程度,对周围环境造成的潜在生态风险影响。结果表明,研究区域内重金属含量均未超过《土壤环境质量标准》（GB 15618-1995）二级标准。主要的潜在生态风险因子为 As,潜在生态风险因子大小顺序为 As＞Hg＞Cd＞Cu＞Cr＞Pb＞Zn。     

Trace metal bioaccumulation in eight common coastal Australian polychaeta

Whole tissue trace metal concentrations of ten metals in eight common coastal Australian polychaete species collected from uncontaminated locations were measured. The mean concentration range for each trace metal was: Mn: 2.6-13 microg g(-1); Co: 0.8-4.6 microg g(-1); Cu: 3.4-26 microg g(-1); Zn: 47-225 microg g(-1); As: 18-101 microg g(-1); Se: 2.2-20.4 microg g(-1); Ag: 0.03-2.5 microg g(-1); Cd: 0.07-17 microg g(-1); Hg: 0.08-0.88 microg g(-1) and Pb: 0.09-3.2 microg g(-1)dry mass. Principal components analysis of trace metal signatures revealed that the habitat, i.e. exposed coast sand or rock, estuarine sand or estuarine mud substrate in which a polychaete species was found, had a significant influence on the bioaccumulation of six trace metals (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd and Pb). However, there is no clear relationship between trace metal concentrations in substrates and polychaetes. The results of the current study contribute to a reference dataset of polychaete species-specific natural background trace metal concentrations for use in determining the extent of trace metal contamination by urban and industrial sources.