Hg biomagnification in the ichthyofauna of the Tapajós River Region, Amazonia, Brazil

Fish samples were collected from a gold-mining-impacted area and a background area in the Tapajos River region of Amazonia, Brazil, and mercury concentrations were measured. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that mean Hg concentrations in both carnivorous and noncarnivorous species, as well...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology 2000-05, Vol.64 (5), p.693-700
Main Authors: CASTILHOS, Z. C, BIDONE, E. D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agnatha. Pisces
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Applied ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biological magnification
Brazil
Ecotoxicology, biological effects of pollution
Effects of pollution and side effects of pesticides on vertebrates
Fishes
Food Chain
Freshwater
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Mercury - pharmacokinetics
Tissue Distribution
Water Pollutants, Chemical - pharmacokinetics
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Summary:Fish samples were collected from a gold-mining-impacted area and a background area in the Tapajos River region of Amazonia, Brazil, and mercury concentrations were measured. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that mean Hg concentrations in both carnivorous and noncarnivorous species, as well as the concentrations in their food, were higher in fish from the contaminated area compared to the control area. In both the background and contaminated areas, highest Hg concentrations were noted in tissues of carnivorous species, while lowest levels were found in herbivorous and detritivorous species. The fish biomagnification factors revealed that the carnivorous fish were enriched 2 10 times compared to the detritivorous and herbivorous species, and the detritivorous species were enriched 200% compared to herbivorous species.
ISSN:0007-4861
1432-0800
DOI:10.1007/s001280000059