Biomonitoring evaluation of some toxic and trace elements in the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816) in a marine environment

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus as an environmental biomonitor and contribute to the knowledge of its nutritional aspects for two regions of the northern coast of the Sa˜o Paulo State, Brazil. Mass fractions were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Concentrations of Ca, Cs, Cr, Fe, Rb, Sc, and Zn were higher at Praia Grande (contaminated area), while As, Br, and Se higher at Praia Preta (control). An exploratory principal component analysis indicated that Praia Grande was influenced by Cr, Cs, Fe and Zn possibly due to environmental contamination. Results indicate the possibility of applying this organism for biomonitoring purposes for metals Cr, Fe, Zn and the semimetal As.