Metal concentrations (Fe and Zn) in Macrobrachium amazonicum from Brazilian Amazon rivers

Abstract

The objective of this work was to analyze the contamination by iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in the shrimp Macrobrachcium amazonicum in the region of the mouth of the Amazon River in the State of Amapá, taking into account aquaculture and fishing activities. 90 shrimp were used, 45 females and 45 males of M. amazonicum. The animals (30) were found in three different points, being Mazagão Velho in Mazagão, a community on Ilha de Santana, a district in the Brazilian municipality of Santana and Arquipélago do Bailique. Fe and Zn determinations were performed by conventional flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The greatest accumulation of Zn in the organs and the lowest concentration of Zn in the muscle and exoskeleton of M. amazonicum was observed. Fe had the highest accumulation in organs, followed by exoskeleton and muscle. Zn accumulation in male organs was greater than in muscle and exoskeleton while Fe concentrations were greater in organs, followed by exoskeleton and muscle. In females, Zn accumulation was greater in our organs, with no difference between muscle and exoskeleton. According to the present study, to maintain levels of food security, the consumption of freshwater shrimp caught and farmed in Mazagão, Bailique Archipelago and community of Ilha de Santana should be limited to a daily shrimp intake dose of 96. 52 g for Fe and 226.81 g for Zn.