This study aimed to validate branchial lesions as a biomarker in fish (Sciades herzbergii and Bagre bagre) caught by traditional fishing in two different places at São Marcos Bay, MA, in order to select a bioindicator taxon which can be used in biomonitoring programs. The first point (S1) was used as a reference area - Caranguejos (Crab) Island and the second point (S2) was considered potentially impacted - Port Complex of São Luis, MA. Several histological changes were found for both species in S2, including: narrowing lamellar, teleangectasy, fusion and separation of secondary lamellar epithelium. Gill lesions in B. bagre collected were also observed in S1, it is not possible to differentiate between individuals of the two areas analyzed. The data indicate that S. herzbergii is more appropriate as a bioindicator for analysis of biomarkers of aquatic contamination.
bioindicator; aquatic contamination; Maranhão; environmental monitoring; fish
