Trace metal contamination of Tuscan and eastern Corsican coastal supralittoral zones: The sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Montagu) as a biomonitor.

The aim of this study was to determine trace metal concentrations (Hg, Cd, Cu, Zn, Al, Fe, Mn, Cr and Pb) in samples of Talitrus saltator collected at 14 localities along the Tuscan and eastern Corsican coasts. This talitrid amphipod is a well-known biomonitor of trace metal contaminations of the supralittoral zone of European sandy beaches. The results show the ability of T. saltator to accumulate Cu, Cd, Zn, Hg, Al, Fe and Mn, but not Cr or Pb. Moreover, the sites can be distinguished on the basis of the accumulated metals. Finally, comparison with literature data regarding the same species and the same sampling sites shows a general decrease in Cd, Zn and Hg contamination. In conclusion, this study confirms that T. saltator can be used as an indicator of the spatial distribution of trace metals contamination.