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ASSESSMENT OF METALLIC ELEMENT UPTAKE BY HOLOTHURIA
ATRA (LOLLYFISH)
Imran Luqman bin Muhammad Hatta
Dr. Ong Meng Chuan
Bachelor of Science (Marine Biology)
School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia
Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu
Metallic element (MEs) pollution causes deformities of marine organisms and
humans due to the widespread of anthropogenic applications. The sea
cucumber Holothuria atra is used in this study because it was discovered that
it has medicinal value. This study aims to reveal MEs concentrations and its
bioindicator capabilities. Samples were collected from Pulau Redang,
Terengganu and analysed using ICP-MS after a closed acid digestion with Nitric
acid. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor
(BSAF) were used to analyse the data. Biota metal accumulation showed
Fe>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd. High Iron levels in biota indicate haemoglobin presence
while low Cd levels suggests species specific accumulation. Organism size and
metal accumulation mostly showed negative relationships due to older
organisms’ lower metabolic activity. BSAF values indicate specific body
compartments be used to detect certain MEs. Iron and Pb showed strongest
positive correlation, suggesting similar origin. No overall pollution was seen
(PLI