LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN OPHOROIDEA (OPHIOCOMA SCOLOPENDRINA) FROM THE GULF OF AQABA, RED SEA

Brittle stars (Ophiocoma scolopendrina) were collected from three different stations distributed along the northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba during 2012. Concentrations of 6 heavy metals (Cu, Ni, Cd, Co, Cr, and Pb) were measured in two body compartments (central disc and arms) using F-AAS analysis. Brittle stars from a station located in the most northern part of the Gulf of Aqaba showed the highest concentrations of Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb, whereas other stations displayed lower levels. For most elements examined herein, heavy metals were accumulated in the central disc more than in the arms. No simple correlations could be established between the contaminant levels measured and the body length of the brittle stars.