Iodine and fluorine concentrations in seaweeds of the Arabian Gulf identified by morphology and DNA barcodes

Even though seaweeds have been recognized as key players in the ocean-to-atmosphere transfer of iodine in other parts of the world, there is a complete lack of knowledge about iodine accumulation in seaweeds of the Arabian Gulf. Similarly, very little is known about fluorine in seaweeds, anywhere in the world. Given that the Arabian Gulf is of particular interest due to being an extreme environment, featuring some of the highest temperatures and salinities observed in any marine water body worldwide, this study endeavoured to conduct a preliminary survey of iodine and fluorine levels in 11 of the most common seaweed species in the region, supported by morphological and molecular (DNA barcode)-based identification. Iodine was determined by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, while ion chromatography was employed for analysis of fluoride. Species surveyed included Iyengaria stellata, Padina boergesenii, Chondria sp. Dictyota dichotoma, Colpomenia sinuosa, Feldmannia indica, Codium papillatum, Sargassum ilicifolium, S. ilicifolium var. acaraeocarpum, Sargassum asperifolium and Sargassum aquifolium. The findings of S. ilicifolium and S. ilicifolium var. acaraeocarpum reported here are new records both for Kuwait and the Arabian Gulf. P. boergesenii and D. dichotoma are new records for Kuwait.