Metal concentrations in sediment and Nereis diversicolor in two Moroccan lagoons: Khnifiss and Oualidia

Metal concentrations were measured monthly during an annual cycle (December 2004 to January 2006) in the tissues of Nereis diversicolor ragworms and sediment from two Moroccan Atlantic coastal lagoons: Oualidia in the north, situated in a highly industrialised urban area and Khnifiss in the south, far from anthropogenic influences. Relatively high levels of Zn, Ag and Cd were found in the sediment of Oualidia lagoon, while Ni concentrations were shown to be high at Khnifiss. The significant metal levels at Oualidia are a result of industrial and urban discharges, coupled with discharges from adjacent phosphate ore processing plants. Trace metal concentrations in worms vary according to season; they are usually high in winter and spring, in relation to the animal's reproductive cycle. Comparing the two lagoons, trace metal levels appear to be higher in worms from Khnifiss lagoon, suggesting a higher bioavailability of these elements in a relatively pristine area.