Seasonal variation in bioavailability of trace metals in the echinoid Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1816) from Algerian coastal waters: Effect of physiological indices

The goal of the present work was to assess the quality of Algerian coastal waters. It is based on the seasonal biomonitoring of the variation of the lead, cadmium, copper and zinc, through the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck, 1819) collected at selected stations along the Algerian coast. The samples were collected continuously from 2013 (November) to 2014 (February, August, and November) at three sites: “Sidi Mejdoub”, “Willis” (Mostaganem) and “Bateau cassé” (Algiers), seasonally. Individuals of P. lividus were collected by snorkeling at the depths of 1-2 m. The obtained results showed that the physiological indices (gonad index) is influenced by the factor “Location” i.e. site; with a dominance of female sex. The level of metallic contamination does not present high levels. The dilution effect of the gonad index on the content of trace metals was noted. This influence requires adjusting the raw detected concentrations. The so called adjusted concentrations are freed of the physiology of the sea urchin, and the availability of trophic resources, which can therefore be compared with different sites.