Concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and zinc in the alga Fucus Serratus in the severn estuary from 1971 to 1995

Changes in the Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations in the mature thallus of the seaweed Fucus serratus collected from a lower-shore site in the heavily polluted Severn Estuary, (U.K), were recorded from 1971 to 1995. Over the period of observation Cd showed a dramatic reduction in concentrations whilst Pb showed low concentrations throughout the monitoring period due, it is suggested, to low of solubility/bioavailability of Pb in this environment with its high pH and high suspended-sediment load. Seasonal changes of Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations were observed in this alga. Concentrations of metals in the mature thallus, expressed as two-monthly means, showed highest values in March/April and lowest values in September/October.