PARENT SESSION

PT20 Ecotoxicology of Tropical Aquatic Environments
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Tuesday

(PT297A) Metal distribution in fish from Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Puerto Rico.

Salgado, C¹, Mansilla-Rivera, I¹, Rodriguez Sierra, C¹, ¹ Department of Environmental Health-Graduate School of Public Health, Medical Sciences Campus, UPR, San Juan, Puerto Rico

ABSTRACT- Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) is a natural reserve located in southern Puerto Rico that is susceptible to industrial, agricultural, and residential development of the area. Heavy metals are among aquatic pollutants of concern in JBNEER. Metals attaining high concentrations in fish tissues could result in detrimental effects on reproduction, behavior, growth, and survival. The objective of this study is to determine the distribution of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, selenium, and zinc in livers, gonads and gills of two sport fish species (Scomberomorus spp. and Lutjanus spp.) commonly captured and consumed by recreational fishermen. A total of 31 fish were collected from six different stations at JBNEER, whereas 18 fish specimens were collected from a reference site (La Parguera). Arsenic concentrations in livers of Scomberomorus cavalla ranged from 1.24 g/g to 2.47 g/g ww. Selenium values in livers of the same species varied from 1.13 g/g to 3.62 g/g ww. In the case of gonads of Scomberomorus cavalla, arsenic values ranged from 0.57 g/g to 2.24 g/g ww, while selenium concentrations varied from 0.91g/g to 2.03 g/g, ww. Levels of lead were below the detection limit. Metal analysis will be conducted in all three tissues for both species.

Key words: fish tissues, heavy metals, tropical estuarine system