Open-access Mercury speciation in fish of the Cabo Frio upwelling region, SE-Brazil

Abstracts

Mercury distribution in the oceans is controlled by complex biogeochemical cycles, resulting in retention of trace amounts of this metal in marine biota. The impact of upwelling processes in this metal behavior has been overlooked. Data from literature are insufficient to evaluate the risks associated with the presence of mercury in the fish collected in upwelling areas and its consumers. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to perform a study of mercury speciation in four fish species belonging to different trophic levels from Cabo Frio-Brazil upwelling region. The total mercury content vary of 53 ng g-1 (Sardinella brasiliensis -sardine) to 1215 ng g-1 (Cynoscion striatus -striped weakfish) and, with exception of the planktivorous fish, methylmercury levels reaches circa 90% of total mercury concentration.

Marine fish; Methylmercury; Food chain; SACW -South Atlantic Central Water


A distribuição de Mercúrio nos oceanos é controlada por um complexo ciclo biogeoquímico, resultando na retenção de pequenas quantidades na biota marinha. O impacto dos processos de ressurgência costeira no comportamento desse metal tem sido negligenciado. Dados da literatura são insuficientes para elucidar o risco associado com a presença de mercúrio em peixes capturados em áreas de ressurgência e seus consumidores. Portanto o objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar um estudo de especiação de mercúrio em quatro espécies de peixes pertencentes a diferentes níveis tróficos da região de ressurgência de Cabo Frio-Brasil. O conteúdo total de mercúrio variou de 53 ng g-1 (Sardinella brasiliensis -sardinha) to 1215 ng g-1 (Cynoscion striatus -pescada) e, com exceção da espécie planctivora, os níveis de metilmercúrio atingem cerca de 90% da concentração total de mercúrio.

Peixes marinhos; Metilmercúrio; Cadeia trófica; ACAS - Água Central do Atlântico Sul


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Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    17 Oct 2011
  • Date of issue
    Sept 2011

History

  • Accepted
    13 July 2009
  • Reviewed
    05 May 2009
  • Received
    20 Mar 2009
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