Identification and evaluation of components present in antifouling paints used in aquaculture, and its possible effects on marine sediments of southern Chile

Sediment samples were taken in three areas related to the use of antifouling paints in salmon farming in southern Chile, in order to detect changes in the abundance and diversity of benthic macrofauna due to the accumulation of metals such as Cu and Zn in sediments. The results show that if there especially Cu accumulation in sediments adjacent to cages each crop, but there were no significant changes in the composition or abundance of benthic macrofauna that accompanies these farms, even when concentrations Cu exceeded 800 mu g g(-1) in sediments.