title: Differential accumulation of mercury and other trace metals in the food web components of a reservoir impacted by a chlor-alkali plant (Flix, Ebro River, Spain): Implications for biomonitoring.
abstract: Comparative studies of biomonitors of trace metal contamination are relatively scarce. We took advantage of a point source pollution in a reservoir (Flix, Spain) to compare trace metal (Hg, Pb, Cd, Se, As, Zn, Cu, Cr) bioaccumulation patterns among 16 food web components. Our results indicate that most organisms are suitable for Hg biomonitoring, whereas other metals are better monitored by only some of them. Biofilms and zebra mussel were the organisms with larger and more diverse biomonitoring capacity. However, we show that using groups of biomonitors increase the scope and strengths of the conclusions and specific goals can be better addressed. We conclude providing an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the main organisms considered for biomonitoring trace metals in rivers and reservoirs.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Advanced Studies of Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Accés a la Cala St. Francesc 14, 17300 Blanes, Spain. david.soto@ec.gc.ca
authors.forename: David X
authors.initials: DX
authors.lastname: Soto
authors.forename: Romero
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roig
authors.forename: Esperança
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Gacia
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Catalan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms / Q000378:metabolism; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D020387:Food Chain; D007220:Industrial Waste / Q000032:analysis; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014881:Water Supply / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste; D008670:Metals; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury