Interactions between mercury and environmental factors: A chemometric assessment in seafood from an eutrophic estuary in southeastern Brazil

Guanabara Bay (GB) is an estuary in Brazil, constantly the target of pollutants, such as mercury (Hg). Thus, our study aimed to evaluate (i) total mercury (THg) content in shrimp and squid species from GB; (ii) associate THg content to contamination in swimming crabs; (iii) explore potential differences between species, and size; (iv) correlate abiotic water data to the determined THg contents; (v) verify if Hg concentrations are below acceptable limits. Swimming crabs showed greater Hg contamination compared to other species. For shrimp only biometric variables are related to Hg, while for squid, only abiotic. Only squids did not show a correlation between Hg and animal size. Finally, the detected Hg values are below the tolerable limits established by legislations. Our results indicate that the dynamics of Hg contamination differs between groups and that further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms that affect bioaccumulation in different species.

Automated summary

The study evaluated mercury levels and contamination in Guanabara Bay in Brazil, finding that swimming crabs were more heavily contaminated with mercury, while the levels in shrimp and squid were influenced by biological or abiotic variables. Detected mercury values were below acceptable limits, indicating the need for further research into the mechanisms of bioaccumulation in different species.