Barium levels in bladder wrack from the North- and Baltic Seas

Significant difference in barium levels of bladder wrack from the North and Baltic Seas

Bladder wrack accumulates barium and its contents give an impression of the respective environmental concentrations.

At the Baltic Sea sampling area Kap Arkona/Varnkevitz barium levels in bladder wrack were 4 - 6 times higher than in bladder wrack from the North sea sampling areas Koenigshafen/Sylt and Eckwarderhoerne/Jadebusen.

Over the years concentrations remained within the same range. The differences between the North and Baltic Sea probably reflect different geological background concentrations.

Routine sampling of bladder wrack was discontinued in 2013.

Significant difference in barium levels of bladder wrack from the North and Baltic Seas
Fig. 1: Barium levels in bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) from the North and Baltic Sea.
 
Updated at: 2022-01-05

 

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Specimen

Analytes

  • Alkaline earth metal which occurs naturally in rocks and minerals

Sampling area