Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Two Edible Fish Species and Water from North Patagonia Estuary

Abstract

Estuaries worldwide have been severely degraded and become reservoirs for many types of pollutants, such as heavy metals. This study investigated the levels of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in water and whole fish. We sampled 40 juvenile silversides Odontesthes regia and 41 juvenile puye Galaxias maculatus from the Valdivia River estuary, adjacent to the urban area in southern South America (Chile). Samples were analyzed using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In water samples, metals except Zn were mostly below the detection limits and all metals were below the maximum levels established by local guidelines in this estuary. In whole fish samples, concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Mn, and Cd were significantly higher in puyes than in silversides. Additionally, Zn, Pb, and Mn were correlated to body length and weight in puyes, whereas Cd was correlated to body length in silversides. The mean concentration of heavy metals in silverside and puyes were higher than those reported in the literature. In silversides, all heavy metal levels were below the limits permitted by current legislation (FAO), whereas in puyes Pb and Cd levels were above the recommended maximum level established by international guidelines, therefore putting the human population at risk.

Optimization and Characterization of a Novel Exopolysaccharide from Bacillus haynesii CamB6 for Food Applications

“…Pre-concentration was carried out by evaporation using a Thermolyne Cimarec hot plate at 105 °C to a final volume of 50 mL. Metal concentration was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) (Perkin Elmer 1990, Norwalk, Conn, USA) using a spectrophotometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific ICE 3000 Series, Cambridge, UK) as previously mentioned by Fierro et al [ 21 ]. The determination of Hg was carried out using the cold vapor technique, and As by hybrid evolution.…”

Characterization of Chilean hot spring-origin Staphylococcus sp. BSP3 produced exopolysaccharide as biological additive

“…A Thermolyne Cimarec hot plate at 105 °C to a final volume of 50 mL was used for evaporation for performing the preconcentration of 500 mL filtered sample with 1 mL of 70% nitric acid except metals like Hg and As. Atomic absorption spectroscopy(AAS) (Perkin Elmer 1990, Norwalk, Conn, USA) was executed using a spectrophotometer from Thermo Fisher Scientific ICE 3000 Series, Cambridge, UK as previously described by Fierro et al [ 81 ]. Cold vapor techniques and Hybrid evolution techniques were performed for detecting Hg and As, respectively.…”

Special Issue on Heavy Metals in the Environment—Causes and Consequences

“…Increased heavy metal concentrations in marine organisms are a major problem in many places around the world because they can enter the human food chain. Fierro et al [10] have studied heavy metal levels in water and in juvenile fish occurring at the estuary of the Valdivia river (Chile). While no pollution of marine water has been detected, very clear differences occur in heavy metal concentration depending on the fish species: it was clearly greater in puyes (Galaxias maculatus) than in silversides (Odontesthes regia).…”