Does macroalgae uptake heavy metals?

[Nerdist Aquarist]

Does anyone know if cheato or macroalgae in general uptake heavy metals? I know it will uptake Iron, but I also seem to have higher than desired levels of nickel, zinc and aluminum based on several ICP tests.

I know I can run absorption media like Cuprisorb. Just considering a more natural alternative such as macroalgae, which I know has other benefits too.

 

[ReefEco]

Yes - it can. Hard to know how much it can uptake, or if it can be an effective "filter" for heavy metals. Those elements in ChaetoGrow might be a good guide as to what it uptakes at a significant rate.

 

[Nerdist Aquarist]

Yes - it can. Hard to know how much it can uptake, or if it can be an effective "filter" for heavy metals. Those elements in ChaetoGrow might be a good guide as to what it uptakes at a significant rate.

That's a clever way of thinking about it! Brightwell does list iron, zinc and nickel in the ingredients.

 

[ReefEco]

Yeah - funny there was just an article I read about adding algae into your diet as a source of trace elements, with caveats specifically about metals, sourcing, etc. https://www.cnn.com/2022/07/21/health/eat-more-seaweed-wellness/index.html There's been lots of stuff in the last decade about processed kelp as the next superfood, since it grows SO fast and is pretty nutritious..

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Yes, macroalgae and corals take up most ions in the water to some extent.