[eng] A further assessment on the heavy metal biomonitor potential of the small-spotted
catshark as well as a new analytical approach for this purpose. Cu, Pb and Cd
concentrations in muscle tissues of bottom-trawl caught Scyliorhinus canicula from the
western Mediterranean where analysed via GFAAS and ICP-OES. Multi-elemental
Inter-technique result comparison was performed in order to assess the suitability of
the latter for this purpose. Results suggests that only Pb determination is feasible with
the currently considered analytical methodology for ICP-OES and that further
optimisation is required for Cd and Cu determination. Interannual differences in heavy
metal concentrations were assessed within the study area. Significantly higher Pb and
Cu concentrations were observed in the most recent samples but differences in Cd
concentrations proved to be non-significant. On the other hand, heavy metal
concentration spatial distribution throughout the study area appeared to be time
persistent for all three analytes. These findings could further support S. canicula as a
biomonitor.