Arsenic content in certain marine brown algae and mangroves from Goa coast

Abstract

Arsenic has been estimated in 7 species each of brown algae and mangroves, including different parts of Sargassum cinereum. Arsenic is more concentrated in brown algae [concentration /factor(CF) range 1.5 - 7 x 10 super(3)] as compared to mangroves (CF less than 1). In brown algae organic As is accounted for about 75-90% of total, but in S. Cinereum and Sphacelaria furcigera about 50-60% inorganic As is noted. Basal thallus and reproductive organs of S. cinereum have higher concentration of total and organic As than active photosynthetic portions. However, holdfast accumulates lesser As but its organic As is high (80%). Arsenic in younger leaves of mangroves is marginally more (0.23 mg.kg/1 dry wt.) than that of mature and yellow leaves (0.16 mg.kg/1).