Distribution and accumulation of major and trace elements in water, sediment, and fishes from protected areas of the Atlantic Rainforest

Environmental pollution affects the quality of the natural environment where major and trace elements have been commonly found to accumulate in biotic and abiotic matrices. The purposes of this research were (1) to assess the accumulation and distribution of 24 major and trace elements in water, sediments, and muscle and gills of ten native fishes from two natural areas with different degree of protection in the Atlantic Rainforest, (2) to discuss potential origin of the elements related to the land use, and (3) to assess the human health risk for water and muscle fish consumption in general and fisher populations. Major and trace elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Concentrations of Ag, Cu, and Se in water and Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, and Zn in sediment were higher than the international guidelines for the aquatic biota protection. Muscle Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Zn from several species (both studied areas) were above guidelines for human consumption. The bioaccumulation factor (<6936) was higher in gills than in muscle, and indicated that Andromakhe saguazu, Andromakhe paris, Gymnogeophagus lipokarenos, and Steindachnerina biornata were macroconcentrators of Zn, and Australoheros ykeregua, G. lipokarenos, and Hemiancistrus fuliginosus were macroconcentrators of Se and Sr. The hazard index and target hazard quotient indicated that there is no risk from chronic consumption of water or fish. The results show the need to reduce the entry of pollutants into streams, paying special attention to reducing runoff in deforested areas.

Automated summary

This research assessed the accumulation and distribution of major and trace elements in water, sediments, muscle, and gills of native fishes in two protected areas of the Atlantic Rainforest. It found that some elements exceeded international guidelines for aquatic biota and human consumption. Bioaccumulation factors were higher in gills than in muscle, and certain fish species were identified as macroconcentrators of specific elements. The study concluded that there is no risk from chronic consumption of water or fish.