Assessment of the state of sea waters northern primorye (Japan sea) on the content of heavy metals in Zostera marina L

After pesticides heavy metals take the second place in the list of the most dangerous substances for living organisms. Marine macrophytes demonstrate a sensitive reaction to qualitative change of environment. Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) belong to Embryophyta and has the ability of accumulating heavy metal by its aboveground and subterranean organs. Heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd) concentration was discovered in Zostera marina living in the coastal waters of Rudnay Bay and Kievka Bay, both bays are located in the north of Primorsky Krai and belong to the Japan Sea. Study carried out of leaves and stems (aboveground organs) and root-rhizomes (subterranean organs) to level heavy metals concentration in Zostera marina L. It was found out that root-rhizomes accumulate mostly Fe, while blades contain Mn, Pb and Cd. High concentration of Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd in eelgrass, living in Rudnay Bay, characterizes the geochemical features of the region. Because of the presence of lead-zinc ore mining and processing in the area nearby Rudnay Bay, heavy metals play the main role in pollution of the bay. Zostera marina L. from Kievka Bay contains less amount of heavy metals.