Determining Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Blue Banded Hermit Crab (Pagurus samuelis)

Click here to open his Thesis (pdf)

Publications:

dos Santos, T. S., Boskovic, D. S., Shih, W., & Dunbar, S. G. (2022). Heavy metals in the blueband hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis (Stimpson, 1857)(Decapoda: Anomura: Paguridae), from two Southern California habitats. Journal of Crustacean Biology, 42(1), ruac015. Link to PDF

Tyler is working on the hermit crab, Pagurus samuelis, and their exposure to heavy metals along the southern California coast.

Tyler collected blue banded hermit crabs (Pagurus samuelis) from two different locations on the coast of Southern California; Cabrillo Beach and White Point Beach. Water samples from tide pools were also collected. After collection, samples were digested in acid and hydrogen peroxide. Samples were analyzed using a Microwave Plasma Atomic Spectrometer (MP-AES) to determine concentrations of Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, and Chromium.
In comparisons, data showed differences in the two hermit crab populations as well as the water in tidepools. This suggests there are different point sources for some heavy metals between the locations.

Tyler looking for samples in the tidepools	Cabrillo Beach tidepools looking into the ocean
Higher up in the Cabrillo Beach tidepools	A view of the habitat the hermit crabs are in
The Pier is visible from Cabrillo Beach tidepools	Tyler collecting a water sample

Photo: S.G. Dunbar