This study aimed to determine metals' concentrations (Cr, Se, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, V, As, Sr, Pb) in
macroalgae species sampled from Iskenderun and
Mersin Bay between June-October 2018, and these
samples were from the depths of 0 to 2 meters.
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer
(ICP-MS) technique was used for metal analysis.
Differences in the metal levels were analyzed using
the ANOVA method. Metal concentrations of samples were found as Fe> Sr> Zn> Cr> Cu> V> Se ≥
As> Pb> Cd and Fe> Sr> Zn> Cr> Pb≥ Cu> V>
Se> As> Cd from Iskenderun Bay and Mersin Bay,
respectively (p <0.05). In terms of metal levels, the
only distinction between the sites was that the average Pb level. In Mersin Bay, it was higher
(p<0.05). The results show that Fe and Sr were
detected at high levels in both bays. The species
with the highest Fe levels were Ulva lactuca from
Iskenderun and Enteromorpha prolifera from Mersin Bay. The highest Sr levels were observed in
Padina pavonica in both bays. Among other metals,
Cu and Zn, which are essential for macroalgae,
seem relatively low.