Quantification and distribution of heavy metals in exoskeletons of Limulus polyphemus in the Yucatan peninsula using µXRF

Abstract Background/Question/Methods

Currently, heavy metal contamination is a global problem, its effects are harmful to individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems exposed to these elements, therefore it is important to keep a watch on the health of ecosystems especially the most vulnerable such as coastal and island lagoons. The use of bioindicators has boomed in recent years to monitor pollution due to its efficiency and reliability. American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, is a benthic arthropod marine, with a direct relationship about the marine sediments and pollution. The objective of this work was to evaluate the exoskeletons of Limulus polyphemus collected in Champotón, Campeche and the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve, Yucatán, Mexico, analyzing 10 samples per site. To compare the bioaccumulation of heavy metals between both sites, the µ-XRF technique at an excitation of 50 kv / 300 µA for the distribution and quantification analyzes was performed.

Results/Conclusions

In Champotón, Campeche, concentrations (% in mass) of Al (0.39), Cu (0.03) and Zn (0.69), respectively in the exoskeletons of L. polyphemus were found. In Rio Lagartos samples percentages of Fe with 0.81 and Ca with 1.41, respectively, were recorded. This study constitutes the first evidence of the pollution of heavy metals in exoskeleton of this species from Mexico and promotes the use of L. polyphemus as an environmental bioindicator in this region of Southeast of Mexico.