Pollution Research Paper

Vol. 35, Issue 2, 2016; Page No.(211-219)

BIOMAGNIFICATION OF SELECTED TOXIC TRACE ELEMENTS (CR, AS, CD, PB) IN A MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM: INSIGHTS FROM STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSIS

SYAIZWAN ZAHMIR ZULKIFLI, FERDAUS MOHAMAT-YUSUFF, AQILAH MUKHTAR, AHMAD ISMAIL AND NOBUYUKI MIYAZAKI

Abstract

The present study used a food chain model of the giant mudskipper (Periophthalmodon schlosseri) to demonstrate the mobility of the trace elements (Cr, As, Cd and Pb) in a mangrove ecosystem. Samples of sediments, P. schlosseri and its food items were collected, digested and determine the trace elements concentration. The mean concentrations of the trace elements were relatively low. In sediments, the concentration of As was found to exceed the Interim Sediment Quality Guideline-low (ISQG-low). The concentrations were correlated to nitrogen stable isotope ratios (δ15N) to investigate mobility patterns. Data on δ15N demonstrated clear separation of trophic levels in the food chain. Integration of P. schlosseri and its stomach contents data showed a strong relationship with r=0.89 for Cr, r=0.75 for As, r=0.93 for Cd and r=0.95 for Pb. These elements are in bio magnification pattern along the food chain of P. schlosseri. In this study, the stable isotope ratio is used to investigate the mobility of trace elements and other pollutants along the food chain in mangrove ecosystems.

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