Cadmium, zinc and total mercury levels in the tissues of several fish species from La Plata River estuary, Argentina

A survey of the concentrations of heavy metals - cadmium, zinc and total mercury - in the tissues of fifteen fish species from Samborombón Bay, La Plata river estuary, in Argentina, has been carried out. Liver appeared to be the main organ accumulating cadmium and zinc, while both liver and muscle s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inEnvironmental monitoring and assessment Vol. 25; no. 2; p. 119
Main Authors Marcovecchio, J.E. (Mar del Plata National Univ. (Argentina). Dept. of Marine Sciences), Moreno, V.J
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Netherlands 01.04.1993
Subjects
ANIMAL INDICATEUR
ANIMAL TISSUES
ANIMALES INDICADORES
ARGENTINA
ARGENTINE
BIOACCUMULATION
BIOACUMULACION
CADMIO
CADMIUM
CINC
CONTROLE CONTINU
COURS D'EAU
CURSOS DE AGUA
INDICATOR ANIMALS
MERCURE
MERCURIO
MERCURY
MONITORING
MUGIL
RIVERS
TEJIDOS ANIMALES
TISSU ANIMAL
VIGILANCIA
ZINC
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Summary:A survey of the concentrations of heavy metals - cadmium, zinc and total mercury - in the tissues of fifteen fish species from Samborombón Bay, La Plata river estuary, in Argentina, has been carried out. Liver appeared to be the main organ accumulating cadmium and zinc, while both liver and muscle showed a similar ability for accumulating mercury. The bioaccumulation process was verified for the three metals analyzed, even though low concentrations have been determined. The biomagnification process of the metals studied was not verified in this environment. The highest metal concentrations were recorded in Mugil liza, and particulate matter and sediments - which are closely related to its trophic and ecological habits - seemed to be the main source of metals for this species. Both Micropogonias furnieri and Mugil liza were recognized as possible indicator species for future monitoring programmes for heavy metals in Samborombón Bay. Considering the present results, this area of La Plata river estuary is characterized as a non-polluted environment.
Bibliography:T01
L74
9303107
ISSN:0167-6369
1573-2959
DOI:10.1007/BF00549133