Trace elements and stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) in shallow and deep-water organisms from the East China Sea

Trace elements (22) and stable isotope ratios (δ15N and δ13C) were analyzed in marine organisms from shallow (SW) and deep-water (DW) of the East China Sea to understand biomagnification and prey source of trace elements. In the benthic marine organisms from DW, δ15N values were negatively correlated with Ba, Cu, Ag, Mo, Sr, As, and Co concentrations. This may be due to the specific accumulation in lower trophic animals and/or the biodilution through the food web in DW. Relationships between δ15N and concentrations of Co, Cr, Bi, and Tl in fish and Ag, Bi, V, Hg, and Tl in crustaceans showed positive correlations, suggesting that trophic position was affecting the concentrations of those elements in phyla, with higher trophic animals retaining higher concentrations than the lower trophic animals. Positive correlations between δ13C and Rb were observed in marine organisms. Therefore, Rb may be a possible substitute of δ13C as tracer of prey source in the East China Sea although further investigation is required.