Recent advances in the biomonitoring of trace elements using P. oceanica (L.) Delile

One of the most studied bioindicator in the Mediterranean is the seagrass Posidonia oceanica. Trace element (TE) monitoring surveys using that species have however mostly focussed on a few elements (e.g. Pb, Cd), while numerous others, efficiently bioconcentrated by the plant and potentially toxic, have been barely or not studied (e.g. Ag, V, Bi). Furthermore, although P. oceanica bioaccumulation behaviour relies on synergistic effects between the sampling environment and its ecophysiology, this aspect has been mostly underestimated until now. This study presents recent advances in the biomonitoring of TEs using P. oceanica and insists on the necessity of developing consensual monitoring protocols in order to improve its use as bioindicator.