MR202201

Elemental Imaging of the Rotula Bone of the Sea Urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) using LA-ICP-MS and its Potential for Ecotoxicological Time-Scale Monitoring of Marine Environments

Takehisa Matsukawa, Gaku Takebe, Ayano Kubota, Kazuyuki Saito, Atsuko Shinohara, Kazuhito Yokoyama
Received: March 03, 2022
Accepted: August 03, 2022
Released online: August 18, 2022

Abstract

Sea urchins do not actively travel long distances. Therefore, it is believed that their growth zones can be characterized to obtain information on marine environmental conditions. We analyzed trace elements in the rotula bones of Ezo-bahun-uni sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) from brackish and salt water through two-dimensional elemental imaging using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Before the LA-ICP-MS analysis, a conventional ICP-MS analysis was performed to determine the approximate elemental composition. The imaging results revealed diff erent distribution patterns of Li, Sr, and Mn in the urchin rotula bones in brackish and salt water areas. Collectively, these fi ndings support the use of sea urchins to monitor the inorganic composition of marine environments on an ecotoxicological time-scale.

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