Abstract
Bioaccumulation of cadmium was assessed in different tissues of the benthic fish Solea senegalensis. Juvenile Senegalese soles were simultaneously exposed to cadmium-contaminated diet (Hediste diversicolor) and water during 14 days and allowed to depurate for another 14 days. Cadmium content was measured in muscle, gills, liver and intestine, with recorded values increasing in these tissues in this same order. Muscle showed a considerably lower cadmium accumulation after 14 days of uptake. Cadmium kinetics in juvenile Senegalese soles revealed that the highest uptake flux of this metal occurred in the intestine. Cadmium depuration from the liver was not detected, which suggests the existence of a storage compartment for this metal in Solea senegalensis during uptake and depuration. Comparisons between maximum acceptable values for cadmium in the muscle, the Target Hazard Quotient and the Estimated Weekly Intake, indicated that acceptable limits were not exceeded, and the muscle of juvenile Senegalese soles could be considered safe for human consumption.
Highlights
Estuarine ecosystems are dynamic environments located on the transition zone between marine and freshwater habitats and they are widely considered of high ecological and economic value [1,2]
The bioaccumulation profile of cadmium in S. senegalensis differs with the tissue being analyzed
Upon cadmium exposure from contaminated diet and water, the highest concentrations for this metal were found in the intestine and the liver, while the muscle showed a very low concentration
Summary
Estuarine ecosystems are dynamic environments located on the transition zone between marine and freshwater habitats and they are widely considered of high ecological and economic value [1,2]. A considerable number of marine species have been used in several studies as biological indicators of habitat quality [2,3,4] Some of those species are of high socio-economic value and commonly use estuarine ecosystems as nursery grounds [4,5]. Even though metals occur naturally in the environment, the increase of anthropogenic activities close to coastal areas has enhanced the input of metals to estuarine and marine ecosystems [7] While certain metals, such as copper and zinc, are essential to biological processes, others like cadmium are considered non-essential and even when present at low concentrations, can be a potential threat to aquatic organisms [8,9]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
