Sea urchins do not actively travel long distances. Therefore, it is believed that their growth zones can be characterized to obtain information on marine environmental conditions. We analyzed trace elements in the rotula bones of Ezo-bahun-uni sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) from brackish and salt water through two-dimensional elemental imaging using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Before the LA-ICP-MS analysis, a conventional ICP-MS analysis was performed to determine the approximate elemental composition. The imaging results revealed different distribution patterns of Li, Sr, and Mn in the urchin rotula bones in brackish and salt water areas. Collectively, these findings support the use of sea urchins to monitor the inorganic composition of marine environments on an ecotoxicological time-scale.
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