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Selenite and Selenate Effects on Mercury (Hg2+) Uptake and Distribution in Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., Assessed by Chronic Bioassay

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Abstract

Aquatic organisms are considered excellent biomarkers of mercury (Hg) occurrence in the environment. Selenium (Se) acts in antagonism to this metal, stimulating its elimination, and reducing its toxicity. In this paper, tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) were chronically acclimated in sub-lethal Hg2+, Hg2+ + Se4+ and Hg2+ + Se6+ concentrations. Distribution and bioaccumulation of both elements were evaluated in fish tissues. The kidney was the main target of the Hg and Se uptake, and the presence of Hg induced the Se hepatic elimination. The Hg bioaccumulation in the gill, spleen and heart were higher in the presence of Se6+ than in the presence of Se4+.

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Acknowledgments

Our gratitude to FAPESP (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do estado de São Paulo), by the grant obtained in the Project no: 00/14460-3 and CNPq (Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico) for the scholarship to Gabriel G. A. Carvalho (Process no: 110751/2005-1).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Analytical Chemistry Laboratory, Nuclear Energy Center for Agriculture, Avenida Centenário, 303, CEP 13400-970, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    G. G. A. Carvalho & J. R. Ferreira

  2. Health Science Faculty, UNIMEP, Rod. Açúcar, Km 156, CEP 13400-911, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    G. G. A. Carvalho

  3. Aquaculture Center, UNESP, Via de Acesso Prof. Paulo Donato Castellane, CEP 14884-900, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil

    J. G. de França, D. C. Dias & S. Carvalho

  4. Fishery Institute/APTA/SAA SP, Avenida Francisco Matarazzo, 455, CEP 05001-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

    J. V. Lombardi, M. J. R. de Paiva & J. R. Ferreira

  5. Department of Mathematic and Statistic, ESALQ/USP, Avenida Pádua Dias, 11, CEP 13418-900, Piracicaba, SP, Brazil

    G. A. Sarriés

Authors
  1. G. G. A. Carvalho
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  2. J. G. de França
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  3. D. C. Dias
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  4. J. V. Lombardi
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  5. M. J. R. de Paiva
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  6. S. Carvalho
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  7. G. A. Sarriés
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  8. J. R. Ferreira
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Correspondence to G. G. A. Carvalho.

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Carvalho, G.G.A., de França, J.G., Dias, D.C. et al. Selenite and Selenate Effects on Mercury (Hg2+) Uptake and Distribution in Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus L., Assessed by Chronic Bioassay. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 82, 300–304 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9617-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-008-9617-0

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