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Use of Cathorops spixii as bioindicator of pollution of trace metals in the Santos Bay, Brazil

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Abstract

In the present study Cathorops spixii, was evaluated as a bioindicator fish for trace metal pollution. Concentrations of cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis in liver. Mercury (Hg) and methyl-mercury (MeHg) were analyzed by Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry in muscles and livers. High concentrations of Co, Fe, Se and Zn were observed in C. spixii from Santos Bay in comparison to fish collected in a non-polluted site in the same Brazilian coast. These trace metal concentrations were out of the permissible levels for human consumption. Although, Hg and MeHg levels were low, the C. spixii could still be used as an effective bioindicator to observe trace metal behaviors in the environment in function of the bioaccumulation process observed mainly by other analyzed trace metals. Thus, the use of this species is strongly recommended to monitor the effects and behavior of trace metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems in Brazil due to its bioaccumulation function.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank the R/v Albacora crew from Oceanographic Institute of University of São Paulo, for their help in the fieldwork and appreciate the financial support of the São Paulo Foundation for Research Support—FAPESP (Process 2005/50769-2) and Brazilian Agencies for Science and Technology—CAPES.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Oceanográfico da Universidade de São Paulo, Praça do Oceanográfico, 191, São Paulo, Brazil

    J. S. Azevedo, W. S. Fernandez & E. S. Braga

  2. Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, Av. Lineu Prestes, 2242, São Paulo, Brazil

    L. A. Farias & D. T. I. Fávaro

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  1. J. S. Azevedo
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  2. W. S. Fernandez
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  3. L. A. Farias
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  4. D. T. I. Fávaro
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  5. E. S. Braga
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Correspondence to J. S. Azevedo.

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Azevedo, J.S., Fernandez, W.S., Farias, L.A. et al. Use of Cathorops spixii as bioindicator of pollution of trace metals in the Santos Bay, Brazil. Ecotoxicology 18, 577–586 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10646-009-0315-4

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