Stable Isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) and Trace Elements of Invertebrates and Fish from the Coastal Waters of Ha Tinh Province, Central Vietnam

Stable isotope signatures (delta C-13, delta N-15) and trace elements (TEs) were analyzed from invertebrates and fish to assess food web structure and the biomagnification or biodilution of Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Mn, Cr, Hg and As in coastal waters of Ha Tinh Province, Central Vietnam. delta C-13 and delta N-15 values of purported food sources (sediments, phytoplankton, macroalgae, and zooplankton) ranged from -21.24 +/- 0.39 parts per thousand to -16.72 +/- 1.02 parts per thousand and from 3.02 +/- 0.70 parts per thousand to 7.30 +/- 0.42 parts per thousand, respectively. The delta C-13 and delta N-15 values in invertebrates and fish ranged from -19.75 +/- 0.10 parts per thousand to -18.68 +/- 0.40 parts per thousand, and from 7.02 +/- 1.21 parts per thousand to 9.10 +/- 0.29 parts per thousand. The delta N-15 values showed that the food web structure could be divided into four trophic levels. The benthic invertebrates had significantly higher concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and As. Hg concentrations tended to accumulate higher in the crabs and fish. The biodilution of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr was observed throughout the food web, whereas biomagnification was observed for Cr, Mn, and As in bivalves; Cd and Zn in gastropods; Pb, Cd, Zn, and As in crabs; Cd in prawns and Hg in fish.

Automated summary

Stable isotope signatures and trace element analysis were conducted on invertebrates and fish in coastal waters of Ha Tinh Province, Central Vietnam, to study the food web structure and biomagnification or biodilution of several elements. The results showed distinct differences in isotope values between food sources and organisms at different trophic levels. Higher concentrations of certain elements were found in benthic invertebrates, crabs, and fish, with variations in accumulation and dilution observed for different elements.