Study of the Distribution of Metals in Tissues of Fish from Amazon Region

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the levels of Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Na, Pb and Zn in 15 samples of five fish species (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, Cynoscion leiarchus, Brachyplatystoma vaillanti e Colossoma macropomum) obtained in municipal market of Belém (Pará State, Brazil). These samples were digested in a cavity microwave oven using a 3.5 mol L-1 nitric acid solution and concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Total concentrations of the studied elements were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS). The contents of the elements in fish samples ranged from 90.

Detection and quantification of heavy metals in blood and milk of Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) (Cetartiodactyla: Iniidae) using wavelength‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry

“…tissues, Cruz et al 50 observed that the concentrations of aluminum, manganese, and iron ranged between 90.12-2497.09 μg/g, 20.05-20.08 μg/g, and 22.26-4296.62 μg/g respectively. In this study, the concentrations of aluminum and iron in the blood and milk of female Amazon river dolphin are within the levels reported by Cruz et al 50 However, the average concentration of manganese is higher than the concentrations reported by Cruz et al 50 Information on heavy metals in blood and milk detected by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry is available for a few species of aquatic mammals (e.g., pinnipeds) and for cetaceans, which are limited to tissues and organs, 31,32,62 with no information for milk and blood. In general, milk contains a significant amount of Cl, Ca, P, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, and Zn in its composition.…”

“…However, studies considering other regions of the Amazon basin have shown that many fish species, including those that are known prey of Amazon river dolphin, 37 present high concentrations of heavy metals bioaccumulated in their tissues (e.g., cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and mercury), both in areas with high mining activities (e.g., Madeira, Tapaj os, and Cassiporé Rivers) and in areas with low mining activities (e.g., Negro River). [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] Some studies reported that fish from floodplain lakes have high levels of Na, K, Cl, Ca, and Mg in their blood plasma and tissues (muscle, gills, and liver). 50,54 Some species and genera analyzed by Cruz et al 50 and Machado and Duncan 54 (e.g., Pinirampus pirinampu, Mylossoma duriventre, Sorubim lima, Astronotus ocellatus, Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, Cichla spp., and Colossoma spp.)…”

“…[43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52][53] Some studies reported that fish from floodplain lakes have high levels of Na, K, Cl, Ca, and Mg in their blood plasma and tissues (muscle, gills, and liver). 50,54 Some species and genera analyzed by Cruz et al 50 and Machado and Duncan 54 (e.g., Pinirampus pirinampu, Mylossoma duriventre, Sorubim lima, Astronotus ocellatus, Brachyplatystoma filamentosum, Cichla spp., and Colossoma spp.) are known prey of Amazon river dolphin and occur in the aquatic environment located at the MSDR.…”

“…The analysis of prey tissue can be a powerful tool to assess the health risks for cetaceans when they are subjected to chemical exposure, according to Lin et al 42 Studies on contamination by heavy metals in fish from the MSDR region have not been performed to date. However, studies considering other regions of the Amazon basin have shown that many fish species, including those that are known prey of Amazon river dolphin, 37 present high concentrations of heavy metals bioaccumulated in their tissues (e.g., cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and mercury), both in areas with high mining activities (e.g., Madeira, Tapajós, and Cassiporé Rivers) and in areas with low mining activities (e.g., Negro River) 43–53 …”

“…High concentrations of copper and zinc have already been observed in tissues of fish that are known prey of Amazon river dolphin and occur in the aquatic environment at the MSDR. Cruz et al 50 observed concentrations of zinc and copper in tissues (liver and gills) of Brachyplatystoma spp. and Colossoma spp.…”