Spatial analysis of mercury and stable isotopes in the vulnerable Dusky Grouper Epinephelus marginatus along the Brazilian coast. (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Condini, Mario V.; Malinowski, Christopher R.; Hoeinghaus, David J.; Harried, Brittany L.; Roberts, Aaron P.; Soulen, Brianne K.; Roark, Kathleen J.; Khursigara, Alexis J.; Fischer, Luciano G.; Possamai, Bianca; Hostim-Silva, Maurício; Garcia, Alexandre M.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 187(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Bioaccumulation -- Muscle-liver-ovary tissues -- Heavy metals -- Southwestern Atlantic -- Latitudinal pattern -- Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114526
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant of global concern due to its damaging toxicological effects on organisms. For the vulnerable Dusky Grouper ( Epinephelus marginatus ) off the coast of Brazil, we investigated: i) spatial patterns in muscle tissue total mercury (THg) contamination; ii) the relationship between muscle THg concentrations and total length iii) the relationship between muscle THg and stable isotopes; and iv) THg concentrations among muscle, liver, and ovary tissues. Out of 134 fish sampled, 21.8 % were higher than 0.5 mg/kg wet weight (above the safe limit for human consumption). THg concentrations increased toward lower latitudes, but an opposite pattern was observed for δ 13 C and δ 15 N with decreased values toward lower latitudes. There were significant differences in THg concentration among the three tissues. Results of Hg concentrations are useful for understanding the potential adverse effects on the health of this vulnerable species and to serve as a guide to human consumers. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: THg concentration in muscle tissue increased toward lower latitudes. δ 13 C and δ 15 N values decreased toward lower latitudes. Nearly 22 % of sampled fish had THg above the safe limit for human consumption. THg concentration was positively correlated with body size. Liver had two- and ten-fold higher THg concentrations than muscle and ovary, respectively.