Biomarkers for Mercury Exposure in Tropical Estuarine Fish

Authors

  • A. P. C. Rodrigues Centre for Mineral Technology; Department of Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University.
  • P. O. Maciel School of Veterinary, Fluminense Federal University
  • L. C. C. Pereira da Silva Centre for Mineral Technology
  • C. Albuquerque Brazilian Ministry of Health.
  • A. F. Inácio Brazilian Ministry of Health,
  • M. Freire Brazilian Ministry of Health,
  • A. R. Linde Brazilian Ministry of Health,
  • N. R. P. Almosny School of Veterinary, Fluminense Federal University
  • J. V. Andreata Laboratory of Fish Ecology, Santa Úrsula University
  • E. D. Bidone Department of Geochemistry, Fluminense Federal University
  • Z. C. Castilhos Centre for Mineral Technology

Abstract

Several studies have evaluated human risks due mercury (Hg) exposure through fish consumption. However, relatively few studies have explored effects of environmental Hg concentrations in biota, especially tropical fish species. The aim of this work was to assess in situ hematological, biochemical and genotoxic effects in tropical fish due to environmental exposure to mercury in estuarine ecosystems. A total of 282 fishes were collected from September 2003 to October 2005 in two estuarine areas: Ribeira Bay (reference area - 22° 55’ to 23° 02’ S and 44° 18’ to 44° 26’ W) and Guanabara Bay (highly impacted area by human activities - 22° 40’ to 23° 00’ S and 43° 00’ to 43° 20’ E). Total mercury levels in fish from Guanabara were twice higher than in Ribeira bay for the catfish species Genidens genidens (Ariidae), with significant differences among areas after standardization using length intervals (exposure time indicator). The species Haemulon steindachneri (Haemulidae) showed the highest mercury concentration, reflecting its position in trophic chain. Among effect biomarkers, only haematocrit, global leucometry and micronucleus assays seemed to reflect the differences on mercury exposure among areas, what may support their use for evaluations of fish exposure to mercury compounds. However, it’s necessary both laboratory experiments to establish cause-effect relationship and a continuous in situ study to obtain more information, involving more trophic levels, searching for sensible species to mercury exposure.

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How to Cite

Rodrigues, A. P. C., Maciel, P. O., Pereira da Silva, L. C. C., Albuquerque, C., Inácio, A. F., Freire, M., Linde, A. R., Almosny, N. R. P., Andreata, J. V., Bidone, E. D., & Castilhos, Z. C. (2011). Biomarkers for Mercury Exposure in Tropical Estuarine Fish. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Contamination, 5(1). Retrieved from https://periodicos.univali.br/index.php/eec/article/view/3044

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 1 (2010)

Section

Original Articles

License

Copyright © 2006 ECOTOX-Brasil

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