Assessment of biosorption and transfer of heavy metals (chromium and copper) by Microalgae (Arthrospira platensis), Amphipoda (Pontogammarus maeoticus), and Beluga fish of Caspian Sea (Huso huso)

Abstract The Caspian Sea is an environment from the entry of river waters with various pollutants including heavy metals. The absorption or accumulation of metals by the organisms of an ecosystem will have a different effect on their food chain. This research aims is to compare the amount of heavy metal absorption of copper and chromium in algae, Gammarus and fish. The working method included preparation and digestion stage of the samples to read them by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). In this research, Algae had a better efficiency in chromium absorption at the initial time. On the contrary, Gammarus had a better efficiency in copper absorption and the absorption process increased with time. In direct competition, metal absorption by algae was better than Gammarus. The accumulation of heavy metals in liver was more than in muscle. In body tissue, copper accumulated more than chromium. Among the adsorbent samples, the highest metal absorption by algae and metal accumulation by Gammarus observed in fish body tissues. The result of this research, Algae is a strong absorber of metal from the environment and repels metal from the fish body. On the other hand, Gammarus absorbs metal from the environment and transports metal to the fish body.