Bio-accumulation of metals on reef associated organisms of Lakshadweep Archipelago

Tissue samples of marine organisms from the coastal waters of Agatti Island were subjected to analysis of metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc), using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) for the assessment of the present condition of the Island ecosystem and compiling the baseline data for future monitoring, with respect of metal accumulation of marine organisms. Tissue samples of fish, shellfish and seaweed revealed that the metals have different levels of accumulation viz. Cd = 0.08–0.14, Co = 0.01–0.02, Cu = 0.16–0.98, Fe = 3.19–5.3, Mg = 86.73–152.45, Mn = 0.17–0.55, Ni = 0.06–0.26, Pb = 0.11–0.46 and Zn = 3.26–14.2 μg g−1 dry wt. Metal concentrations were more in shellfish and less in finfish. Concentrations of toxic metals such as Cd, Co, Ni and Pb were well below the permissible limits proposed by the World Health Organization.

► Edible fishes showed lower metal concentrations than ornamental fishes in Agatti Island.
► All metals were highly accumulated in gill tissues than muscle and skin of the fishes.
► Concentration of cobalt was found below detectable level in majority of tested organisms.
► Magnesium, Zinc and Iron have higher concentration in fish, shellfish and seaweeds.
► Agatti Island of Lakshadweep is safe from heavy metal pollution.