Metrologically sound comparison of trace-metal levels in sea cucumber tissues from different species and habitats

Sea cucumbers are indicators of metal contamination in sea bottoms due to their low mobility and feeding behaviour. Comparing contaminations of specimens from different locations, habitats, and/or organs allows understanding of contamination processes and differences. However, the interpretation of these data is affected by the variability of contamination levels in specimens, the uncertainty of tissue analyses, and the complex correlation of mass fractions estimated by using the same calibration of the used instrumental method of analysis. This work presents a novel tool for the sound comparison of contamination levels of biota where all mentioned factors are considered to produce reliable and undisputable information on the studied system. The Monte Carlo simulation of uncertainty components, affecting the determination of mean contamination levels observed in selected types of tissues, allowed simulating mean contamination differences and determining if these are meaningful. This tool was used to assess the levels of Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb of animals collected in different locations of Sesimbra-Portugal. It was concluded that specimens that selectively consume macroalgae have larger contamination levels than animals feeding on sediment. The gut is the most contaminated organ suggesting intake from feeding is dominant. Three of the analysed animals have Pb mass fractions larger than a maximum admissible value for human consumption of 3 mg kg(-1) with a probability larger than 2.5%.

Automated summary

Sea cucumbers serve as indicators of metal contamination in sea bottoms due to their low mobility and feeding behavior. Comparing contaminations of specimens from different locations, habitats, and/or organs provides insights into contamination processes and differences. However, the interpretation of these data is affected by variability in contamination levels, uncertainty in tissue analysis, and complex correlations in mass fractions estimated using the same calibration of the instrumental method. This study introduces a novel tool that considers these factors to reliably compare contamination levels of biota and obtain undisputable information on the studied system.