Impacts of tailings of Fundao dam (Brazil) rupture on marine fish: Metals bioaccumulation and physiological responses

This study evaluated the impacts of the mining tailings after the rupture of the Funda & SIM;o dam on fish communities on the Atlantic Ocean southeast coast. Four sample collections were carried out over two years (2018-2020), in seasonal periods. Omnivorous/herbivorous and carnivorous fish were collected for analysis of metal bioaccumulation, multibiomarkers of environmental contamination and histopathology. Metal bioaccumulation was stronger correlated in carnivorous fish in the dry-2018 collection, besides higher activity of antioxidant enzymes, energy metabolism and higher morphological damage; however, there was less oxidative damage and less metallothioneins induction, and these variables were strongly associated with the wet-2020 collection. In a temporal view, it was possible to observe a reduction in metal levels in fish, except in the mouth of the Doce River. These events can be explained by seasonal natural events, which tend the resuspension and boost metal levels, mainly in the mouth region during the rainy season.

Automated summary

This study evaluated the impacts of the mining tailings on fish communities on the southeast coast of the Atlantic Ocean after the rupture of the Funda & SIM;o dam. The results showed that metal bioaccumulation and biomarkers of environmental contamination were higher in carnivorous fish collected during the dry season in 2018. However, in the wet season collection in 2020, there was less oxidative damage and metallothioneins induction. Metal levels in fish decreased over time, except in the mouth of the Doce River.