Mimie Saputri, Yusnaini Yusnaini, Muhammad Zainuri, Ita Widowati, Asriyana Asriyana, Samsul Muarrif, Maud Brault-Favrou, Carine Churlaud, Thierry Guyot, Gilles Radenac, Denis Fichet, Hélène Thomas
This pioneering study investigates the use of the tunicate Polycarpa aurata for assessing polymetallic pollution in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Over the course of one year, encompassing both rainy and dry seasons, potentially toxic elements (PTE) such as metal elements were examined in the tunic and soft body of P. aurata . The research revealed site-specific variations in element trace concentrations, with a mining site exhibiting elevated levels of multiple metals (like As 12.65 μg/g DW, Cd 0.34 μg/g DW, Co 31.17 μg/g DW, Cu 10.88 μg/g DW and Ni 173.50 μg/g DW). A correlation was observed between metal concentrations in P. aurata and those in sediment and suspended particles. Comparing the 2 tissues analysed (soft body and tunic), we note that certain metal elements, including arsenic (BSAF 8,99), cadmium (6,38), copper (2,84), and zinc (5,28), accumulated preferentially in the soft body of P. aurata , while nickel accumulation was minimal compared to sediment levels (BSAF Ni 1,12). This study establishes a baseline for passive biomonitoring of Indonesian coral reefs, demonstrating that ascidians like P. aurata are effective candidates for monitoring metal pollution in these marine environments. The findings contribute to addressing contemporary environmental challenges by highlighting the potential of marine organisms in chemical monitoring and biomonitoring programs for pollutant identification and environmental quality assessment. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.
UMRi LIttoral ENvironnement et Sociétés (LIENSs) 7266 CNRS, La Rochelle Université, La Rochelle, 17000, France; Department of Coastal Resources Management, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia; Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Universitas Halu Oleo, Kendari, 93232, Indonesia; Department of Oceanography, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia; Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang, 50275, Indonesia; Biology Education Department, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, 23111, Indonesia; Research Center for Elephant Conservation and Biodiversity Forest, Universitas Syiah Kuala Darussalam, Banda, 23111, Indonesia
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