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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
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∼Pb>Cr” the same pattern
observed for metals in water. Metals in fish
tissues showed higher concentrations in liver (262 mg
Cu·Kg−1 and 89 mg Zn·Kg−1) than in muscle (<3 mg
Cu·Kg−1 and 26 mg Zn·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.
Description
Keywords
Esmoriz–Paramos Heavy metals Sediment Water Fish
Citation
Fernandes, Conceição; Fontaínhas-Fernandes, A.; Cabral, D.; Salgado, M. A. (2008). Heavy metals in water, sediment and tissues of Liza saliens from Esmoriz-Paramos lagoon, Portugal. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment. ISSN 0167-636. 136:1-3, p. 267-275
Publisher
Springer