Accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn) in sediments, macroalgae (Cryptonemia crenulata) and sponge (Cinachyrella kuekenthali) of a coral reef in Moin, Limon, Costa Rica: An ecotoxicological approach

Moin, on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, is a multi-use coastal zone with a variety of human activities that can cause metal pollution. With the purpose of assessing the current environmental burden due to heavy metal presence in the marine environment of Moin, and their bioaccumulation in organisms of the nearby coral reef, we determined seven metals in samples of bottom sediments, macroalgae (Cryptonemia crenulata) and sponge (Cinachyrella kuekenthali). The results were compared with samples from the southern Caribbean, an area with little human activity. Using ICP-MS, results showed a concentration range for sediments Mn > Cu > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd, algae Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr > Pb > Cd and sponge Mn > Cu > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb, relatively low concentrations overall and no differences observed between sites. Bioconcentration factor > 1 was determined for Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn, while concentrations in sediments were below the SQG thresholds. Our study provides the first data on metal concentrations in a macroalgae and a sponge from the Costa Rican Caribbean.

Automated summary

The study in Moin, Costa Rica, assessed the heavy metal pollution in the marine environment, with results showing relatively low concentrations of metals in sediments, algae, and sponge. Bioconcentration factors indicated Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn accumulation in organisms, while sediments remained below safety thresholds. This research provides valuable data on metal concentrations in the Costa Rican Caribbean.