Macroinvertebrates and fishes as biomonitors of heavy metal concentration in the Seixal Bay (Tagus estuary): Which species perform better?

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2012

Authors

Cacador, I (Author) Other; Costa, JL (Author) Other; Duarte, B (Author) Other; Silva, G (Author) Other; Medeiros, JP (Author) Other; Azeda, C (Author) Other; Castro, N (Author) Other; Freitas, J (Author) Other; Pedro, S (Author) Other; Pedro Almeida (Author) FDUP; Cabral, H (Author) Other; Costa, MJ (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Ecological Indicators

Vol. 19

Pages: 184-190

ISSN: 1470-160X

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 39 Citations

Scopus - 51 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-002-7TX

DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2011.09.007

Abstract (EN): The present study aims to evaluate the utilization of several benthic macroinvertebrate and fish species as bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in a relatively enclosed estuarine area, the Seixal Bay (Tagus estuary, Portugal). 266 specimens of 16 taxa were captured during four sampling campaigns and the concentration of lead, chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, cobalt and cadmium were quantified in fish muscle and whole soft body of the invertebrates, as well as in suspended particulate matter in the water column and sediments. Larger predator fishes with higher mobility presented low levels of contamination, probably due to their feedings sites being located outside the bay in less contaminated areas. The species of the Gobiidae family, Pomatoschistus microps, Pomatoschistus minutus and Gobius niger presented higher values of non-metabolic elements (Pb, Ni and Cd) while Scrobicularia plana, Nereis diversicolor, Carcinus maenas and Palaemon serratus were more associated to the accumulation of Cu, Cr and Zn. Nephtys hombergii and Crangon crangon, showed intermediate concentrations of all metals. These results points out to a future possible utilization of S. piano, N. diversicolor, P. serratus and C. maenas and of Pomatoschistus species as bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in ecological quality monitoring programs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 7