Heavy metal bioaccumulation in mangrove benthic invertebrate Faunus ater (Linnaeus, 1758) /

Heavy metal pollution is a common environmental stressor in coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are non-essential heavy metals with high potential for toxic effects in mangrove benthos. The bioaccumulation via a contaminated food source (10 ppm Cd/ 80 ppm Pb) and adverse effects due to metal toxicity were measured in mangrove benthic gastropod Faunus ater (Linnaeus 1758) under laboratory conditions. After 6 weeks of treatment, soft tissue concentrations of cadmium and lead were significantly elevated in the Cd and Pb treatment groups, respectively, marking food consumption as a relevant pathway for metal uptake. Cd shows a bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of >1, while BAF of Pb isMaster of Science in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea)Heavy metal pollution is a common environmental stressor in coastal ecosystems, including mangrove forests. Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are non-essential heavy metals with high potential for toxic effects in mangrove benthos. The bioaccumulation via a contaminated food source (10 ppm Cd/ 80 ppm Pb) and adverse effects due to metal toxicity were measured in mangrove benthic gastropod Faunus ater (Linnaeus 1758) under laboratory conditions. After 6 weeks of treatment, soft tissue concentrations of cadmium and lead were significantly elevated in the Cd and Pb treatment groups, respectively, marking food consumption as a relevant pathway for metal uptake. Cd shows a bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of >1, while BAF of Pb i