MERCURY IN ALGAE OF THE CANARY-ISLANDS LITTORAL

The concentrations of Hg in three groups of algae (Phaeophyta, Chlorop hyta, and Rhodophyta) found in the Canary Islands littoral were determ ined. The mean concentrations found were, respectively: Phaeophyta: 0. 13 mg kg(-1) (range 0.01 to 2.30 mg kg(-1)); Chlorophyta: 0.13 (range 0.025 to 0.36 mg kg(-1)); Rhodophyta: 0.11 mg kg(-1) (range 0.02 to 0. 28 mg kg(-1)). There are no relevant differences in the contents of Hg at group level and at species level, only a sample of Phaeophyta pres ents an abnormally high concentration (>1 mg kg(-1)), corresponding to a sampling station nearby an urban drain. (C)1998 Elsevier Science Lt d.