Baseline metal concentrations in marine algae from São Miguel (Azores) under different ecological conditions – Urban proximity and shallow water hydrothermal activity.

Copyright © 2008 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved."[...]. The aim of this study was to provide baseline levels of a selected pool of elements for intertidal algae that occur abundantly on rocky shores around São Miguel Island (Azores), and compare results from non-urban sites with those affected by urban development or by shallow water hydrothermal activity. Coastal shallow water hydrothermally active sites are not common around the Globe. Consequently, information on macroalgal communities occurring in such specific environments provides a valuable tool for future research, not only to compare with sites that are artificially enriched with heavy metals (polluted), but also to assess the impact of increased temperature and acidity on such communities. [...]