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Samples of Anemonia sulcata were collected in 2022 from different areas of the Canary Islands affected by different natural contamination sources, such sandstorms, submarine volcanic activity, continuous rainfall, upwelling and dinoflagellate blooms. Significant differences were observed between the zones for the metals and trace elements analyzed (Al, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, B, Cu, Mg and Li). Anemones from volcanic areas showed higher levels of Cd, Pb and Ni. Individuals from sandstorm areas showed elevated levels of Al, Zn and Fe. Samples collected from areas affected by upwelling processes had higher concentrations of Cu, Mg and Li. Finally, the areas affected by dinoflagellates showed lower levels of Zn, Pb, Fe, Mg and Li. The study reveals how natural phenomena dramatically influence metal accumulation in A. sulcata , which is of great value for anticipating and managing potential problems associated with public health. • Anemonia sulcata is confirmed as a useful bioindicator. • The influence of rain on the reduction of metals concentrations in A. sulcate • Metal concentrations increase in submarine volcanoes. • Concentrations of metal increase in A. sulcata affected by sandstorms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The species Anemonia sulcata, are cnidarians that serve as bioindicators in marine ecosystems, indicating the health of the environment and changes in environmental conditions. Monitoring anemone populations and studying their well-being and distribution provide valuable insights into marine ecosystem conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the COVID pandemic on the metal content (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn), 120 A. sulcata collected during a six-year period (2017-2022). The results showed a constant decreasing trend, but with the lowest concentrations occurring in 2020, matching with the two-month lockdown from March to May. This findings suggest that the reduced anthropogenic pressure on the coast due to the absence of tourism significantly decreased pollution levels. Therefore, the study supports the importance of promoting sustainable tourism worldwide, highlighting that minimizing human impact on coastal areas through responsible tourism practices can effectively reduce pollution in marine ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anemones, specifically the species Anemonia sulcata, are cnidarians that serve as bioindicators in marine ecosystems, indicating the health of the environment and changes in environmental conditions. Monitoring anemone populations and studying their well-being and distribution provide valuable insights into marine ecosystem conditions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the metal content of Anemonia sulcata. Over a six-year period (2017–2022), twenty specimens of Anemonia sulcata were collected in Tenerife, Spain. The results showed that in 2020, during the two-month lockdown in Spain from March to May when tourism was halted, A. sulcata exhibited the lowest concentrations of various metals studied (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn). This finding suggests that the reduced anthropogenic pressure on the coast due to the absence of tourism significantly decreased pollution levels. Therefore, the study emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable tourism worldwide. The research highlights that minimizing human impact on coastal areas through responsible tourism practices can effectively reduce pollution in marine ecosystems. [Display omitted] • A total 120 A. sulcata anemone captured over a period of six years (2017–2022). • Metal concentrations in A. sulcata were lowest just after the pandemic. • Metal contamination in A. sulcata increased after lockdown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]