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

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2008

Authors

Fernandes, C (Author) Other; Fontainhas Fernandes, A (Author) Other; Cabral, D (Author) Other; Maria Antónia Salgado (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Environmental Monitoring and Assessment

Vol. 136

Pages: 267-275

ISSN: 0167-6369

Publisher: Springer Nature

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 76 Citations

Scopus - 112 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-34Z

DOI: 10.1007/s10661-007-9682-6

Abstract (EN): 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 similar to Pb > Cr" the same pattern observed for metals in water. Metals in fish tissues showed higher concentrations in liver (262 mg Cu center dot Kg(-1) and 89 mg Zn center dot Kg(-1)) than in muscle (< 3 mg Cu center dot Kg(-1) and 26 mg Zn center dot Kg(-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.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 9