title: Cadmium, copper and lead in macroalgae from the Veracruz Reef System, Gulf of Mexico: spatial distribution and rainy season variability.
abstract: This study focused on the spatial distribution of trace metals in the Veracruz Reef System in the Southern Gulf of Mexico, and its variability in the early (July) and late (September) rainy season of 2008, by analyzing the concentration of Cd, Cu and Pb in benthic macroalgae. Mean concentrations are lower (Pb 295 ± 347 ng g(-1), Cd 17.9 ± 15.0 ng g(-1)), or similar (Cu 3.4 ± 4.5 μg g(-1)) to those reported from other coastal areas. Cd and Pb concentrations are influenced by the discharge of the Jamapa River, evidencing a fluvial control on coastal trace metal levels. Also, Cd and Cu concentrations were lower in the late rainy season, when there is a high load of suspended sediments derived from fluvial discharge, which probably adsorb dissolved metals decreasing their bioavailability. Pb concentrations have been decreasing in the last two decades in the SGM, after the banning of leaded-gasoline in the late 20th century.
authors: UBIPRO, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México Av. de los Barrios 1, Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, México 54090, Mexico. horta@unam.mx
authors: Guillermo
authors: G
authors: Horta-Puga
authors: Sergio
authors: S
authors: Cházaro-Olvera
authors: Ignacio
authors: I
authors: Winfield
authors: Marisol
authors: M
authors: Avila-Romero
authors: Margarita
authors: M
authors: Moreno-Ramírez
mesh_terms: D002104:Cadmium / Q000032:analysis*; D003300:Copper / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D060851:Gulf of America; D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D011891:Rain; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D012624:Seaweed / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002104:Cadmium; D007854:Lead; D003300:Copper