Mediterranean fanworm, Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791), as a potential biomonitor of trace metal pollution in the marine environment

Levels of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Zn) were measured in soft tissues and external tubes of the Mediterranean fanworm, Sabella spallanzanii (Gmelin, 1791), to evaluate its suitability as a biomonitor of metal pollution. Study was conducted in the coastal area of the eastern Adriatic Sea. Polychaetes were collected from two locations, a site located in a local marina and an unpolluted control site. Results indicate that S. spallanzanii has the capacity to accumulate metals in soft tissues as well as in tubes. The levels of most metals were considerably higher in tubes compared to soft tissues, indicating long-term accumulation of metals in tubes. High levels of several metals (Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb and Fe), found in soft tissues and tubes sampled at the marina site, reflect the elevated contaminant levels in the marina, associated with the use of antifouling agents, paints, petrol additives, and ship maintenance activities. Metal concentrations in tissues and tubes generally decreased with size, indicating the influence of growth and metabolic rates on trace metal uptake. Trace metal levels found in S. spallanzanii tissues were comparable to the levels found in Mytilus galloprovincialis, a species commonly used in biomonitoring studies, in areas exposed to similar levels of anthropogenic stressors. According to the results of the present study, S. spallanzanii has been identified as a suitable biomonitor of metal pollution due to its sedentary nature, widespread distribution, abundance and the ability to accumulate high levels of metals within its tissues and tubes.