Heavy metals in water, sediment and tissues of Liza saliens from Esmoriz–Paramos lagoon, Portugal

Abstract

Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon is an ecosystem of great ecological importance that is located on the northwest coast of Portugal and has been degraded as a result of industrial and anthropogenic activities. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) were measured in water, sediment and in tissues (liver and muscle) of Liza saliens, which is the dominant fish from the lagoon. Comparisons between metal concentrations in water and sediments were made with those in tissues of fish caught at the lagoon. Metals in water were quantified predominantly bound to particulate and equalled or exceeded the limit of chronic reference values. Metal concentrations in sediments varied among sampled sites. The relative order of concentrations was "Zn > Cu approximately Pb > Cr" the same pattern observed for metals in water. Metals in fish tissues showed higher concentrations in liver (262 mg CuxKg(-1) and 89 mg ZnxKg(-1)) than in muscle (<3 mg CuxKg(-1) and 26 mg ZnxKg(-1)), while Pb and Cr were not detected. These results suggest that Cu and Zn are the metals of major concern in the lagoon. Mullet detritivorous feeding habits, bioaccumulation pattern and the high sediment metals concentrations relative to the water suggest that sediments can be the most important source of contamination in this ecosystem. The positive relationship found between Cu in liver and fish length demonstrates that time of exposure is a crucial factor in bioaccumulation. Condition indices (K and HSI) in mullets from the lagoon were higher compared to mullets from sea, suggesting abnormal condition in the lagoon population. We conclude that metals chronic exposure in the lagoon can impose considerable fish stress. The results also show that the lagoon is an area of environmental concern.

Human health risk and ecological risk assessment of metals in fishes, shrimps and sediment from a tropical river

“…Cu, Zn and Pb in the fish samples are found to be associated with the sediments. This is in accordance with other researchers (Chandra Sekhar et al 2004;Fernandes et al 2008;Obasohan and Eguavoen 2008;Vicente-Martorell et al 2009). Cd was not detected in water samples, and the correlation between sediment and fish samples was not significant.…”

Metal distributions in seawater, sediment and marine benthic macroalgae from the South Australian coastline

“…The major differences in the distribution of metals in seawater from the six sampling locations were attributed to increased discharges of industrial wastes at Port Pirie from the smelter and at Port Adelaide from the surrounding industries, commercial establishments and recreational activities. Previous studies on the distributions of heavy metal concentrations in Adelaide metropolitan water samples support this assertion (Harbinson 1986;Fernandes et al 2008;Lavery et al 2008). …”

Heavy metal contamination of the Curonian Lagoon bottom sediments (Lithuanian waters area)

“…The close correlations between most metal concentrations (in most cases r≥0.9) suggest similar migration and deposition rates for these contaminants. As a mixture of fine mineral and organic particles spread, they become a very receptive medium for the absorption of heavy metals from water (Galkus, Jokšas 1997;Zoumis et al 2001;Stephens et al 2001;Fernandes et al 2008). Heavy metals can get into the finely dispersing sediment matter, even far from the place of settlement, i.e., when such matter is still migrating with river waters and in the southern part of the lagoon.…”