Pérez, T.; Vacelet, J.; Rebouillon, P. (2004). In situ comparative study of several Mediterranean sponges as potential biomonitors of heavy metals. In: Pansini M, Pronzato R, Bavestrello G, Manconi R, Sarà M (eds) Sponge Science in the New Millenium. Papers contributed to the VI International Sponge Conference Rapallo (Italy) 29 September – 5 October 2002. Bollettino dei Musei e degli Istituti Biologici dell'Universitá di Genova. 68, 517-525.

280986

Pérez, T.; Vacelet, J.; Rebouillon, P.

2004

68, 517-525

Publication

Proceedings of the 6th International Sponge Conference

Available for editors   [request]

The heavy metals content of sponges is investigated in order to assess their suitability as biomonitors. The concentration of 10 elements is determined in six species of massive Demosponges well represented in a polluted and a clean site: Cliona viridis, Cacospongia scalaris, Chondrosia reniformis, Spongia officinalis, Spongia agaricina and Agelas oroides. Wide interspecific variations are observed between them, no doubt as a result of their morphological and physiological differences. Cliona viridis appears to be unique with regard to the higher concentrations found for several elements, especially Cd that is from 42 to 375 times more concentrated than in the other species. However, this species displays highly variable results and gives a rather poor image of the level of contamination of the sites, as only three trace elements out of ten have a significantly higher concentration in the polluted site. Three species, S. officinalis, S. agaricina and A. oroides, which give a consensual indication of the metals’ bioavailability, with sufficiently high and homogenous concentrations, appear to be well suited for consideration in the overall assessment of the marine environment quality.

Mediterranean

Bioindicators

Porifera

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