BaselineTrace metal (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) accumulation in Scleractinian corals: A record for Sabah, Borneo

This study was designed as the first to assess the trace metal (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) in coral skeleton in relation to metal availabilities and sampling locations in Sabah. The study also aims to determine the differential abilities of Scleractinian coral species as a bioindicator of environmental conditions. Skeletons of Scleractinian coral (Hydnophora microconos, Favia speciosa and Porites lobata) showed concentrations of Fe, Mn and Ni relatively higher than Cd and Zn in the skeletons. Statistical analyses outputs showed significant relationships between trace metal concentrations in coral species and those in seawater and sediment. The highest bioaccumulation factors among three Scleractinian coral species investigated was for Zn followed by Mn, Ni, Fe, Cd and Cu can provide a sign about pollution levels. However, metal tolerance, coral structure and morphology as well as multispecies monitoring are factors that need to be a focus in future studies.

► Fe, Ni and Mn levels were found to be high in concentration in the coral. ► Concentration of Cu in coral was similar to the Cu concentration in the sediments. ► The highest bioaccumulation factor among trace metals is Zn in the corals. ► Coral skeletons in this study have lower trace metals than other areas of Malaysia.