Heavy metal biomonitorisation potential of the Small- spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula): analytical technique evaluation and interannual assessment

Abstract

[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.