Trace element concentrations in seaweeds of the Arabian Gulf identified by morphology and DNA barcodes

Even though seaweeds have been considered a nutrient-rich dietary source of minerals in other parts of the world, there is little knowledge about trace element accumulation in seaweeds of the Arabian Gulf. The Arabian Gulf is of particular interest due to being an extreme environment, as it features some of the highest temperatures and salinities observed in any marine waters in the world. This study determined the minerals contents using inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in 10 of the most common seaweeds of this region (Iyengaria stellata, Padina boergesenii, Chondria sp., Feldmannia indica, Codium papillatum, Sargassum aquifolium, Ulva chaugulii, Ulva tepida and Ulva sp.) supported by morphological and molecular (DNA barcode)-based identification. The finding of U. chaugulii reported here is a new record for Kuwait. Most of the seaweeds were rich in essential minerals including Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe and Zn and their contents were higher than those of other mineral-rich foods. Principal component analysis revealed species-specific distributions of minerals in seaweeds. U. tepida and I. stellata were found to be exceptionally rich in most of the macro- and trace elements along with low As and Se, and thus can be utilized for food and feed applications.