Metals and their binding in periostracum of Cypraea zebra and Cypraea talpa

SOLDATI, ANALIA L.; BAUMANN, WOLFRAM

Bad Münster an der Nahe, Germany

Jornada; Jahresseminar des Graduiertenkollegs auf Burg Ebernburg in Bad Münster an der Nahe, 2003; 2003

Interdiciplinary Research Training Group GRK826: "Trace Analysis of Elemental Species: Development of Methods and Applications"

The presence of metals will be studied in the surface shell layer of two marine gastropods of the family Cypraeidae. These snails present a transparent, brilliant and smooth coverage on their surface, which give them their common name of “cowry” or “porcelain snails”. This about 40 mm surface, is not only interesting because of its beautiful aspect, but also since it plays a protective roll against epibiotic agents.Metals and especially organic complexed metals, are usual used as paints and toxics to fight against the fouling organisms. One clear example is the very environmental toxic TBT added in paints on ships.  With this research we want to define which metals are situated in the periostracum of this two shells and in which binding form or structure, to elucidate what kind of role they play in the adhesion properties or the protective adaptation defence. We made first investigations to define which elements are found at all in the shells, using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). To find which of them are in the surface and how are they bounded inside the periostracum, we used two modern surface techniques: Electron Spectroscopy for Chemical Analysis (ESCA) and Raman Spectroscopy (RS) in addition to Confocal Laser Microscopy. The first results of these analyses will be presented.