Mercury toxicology in Epinephelidae fishes: A multiple tissue approach in two groupers species from southwestern Atlantic (SE-Brazil)

Abstract

Epinephelidae fishes are important to reef ecosystems, as well as for commercial fishing and cultural heritage. Additionally, most of these species are at some risk of extinction, as Epinephelus marginatus and Hyporthodus nigritus. This study aimed to determine total mercury (THg) concentrations and burden on eight tissues of E. marginatus and H. nigritus. A Cold Vapor/Atomic Absorption Spectrometer was used for the THg determination. THg concentrations and burden varied significantly between tissues in both species. The highest concentrations were determined in the liver, and the greatest burden was in muscle. The gonad concentrations were higher than the toxicological threshold. General trends of increase in THg concentrations and burden along growth were observed. Mercury is a threat for both species evaluated, raising this concern for other Epinephelidae species.