Antarctic macroalgae: potential sources of micronutrients and heavy metals

Yarlequé-Chocas M.M.; Zelada-Mariluz B.R.; La Torre G.; Gonzáles C.; Santos M.; Salinas S.A.; Céspedes E. · Revista Chilena de Nutricion (2025) · DOI: 10.64159/rchnut-52-5-3

Resumen

Antarctica, considered one of the regions with the lowest anthropogenic impact, may still present heavy metal contamination associate with the operational activities of scientific stations. This descriptive study aimed to taxonomically identify macroalgae collected in Admiralty Bay (King George Island) during the austral summer of 2023 and to compare their concentrations of essential micronutrients (iron, magnesium, and zinc) and heavy metals (lead and cadmium). The samples, previously washed and dehydrated, were transported to Lima, Peru, for taxonomic classification and deposition in the Herbarium of the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos. Mineral quantification was carried out at Laboratorios de Certificación del Perú S.A. using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), with a completely randomized design and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05). Five macroalgae species were identified, belonging to two phyla: the green alga Monostroma hariotii (Phylum: Chlorophyta) and four brown algae (Phylum: Heterokontophyta): Desmarestia sp.1, Desmarestia antarctica, Desmarestia sp.2, and Himantothallus grandifolius. Iron concentrations ranged from 75.3 to 777 mg/kg, magnesium from 3,022 to 12,019 mg/kg, and zinc from 101 to 203 mg/kg. Lead levels ranged from 0.120 to 0.440 mg/ kg, and cadmium from 0.200 to 4.06 mg/kg, with Desmarestia sp.2 and M. hariotii showing the highest bioaccumulation capacity. The results revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) among species in the accumulation of micronutrients and heavy metals. Antarctic macroalgae may pose a potential toxicological risk if included in the diet, as Desmarestia sp.2 and M. hariotii exceed the limits established by international organizations such as the Codex Alimentarius.

Instituciones: Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazón