Abstract
Abstract The electric ray Narcine brasiliensis is captured as by-catch along the Brazilian coast and is considered data deficient by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). In the present study, toxic and essential metals in adult and embryonic N. brasiliensis specimens from Southeastern Brazil were assessed by ICP-MS. The possibility of maternal metal transfer to embryos was evaluated. Several toxic elements were detected, including in the electric organ and gonads, leading to potential behavioral and reproductive concerns. Extremely high As levels were detected, probably a direct effect of the Mariana dam rupture ocurred in 2015, where mine tailings were transported throughout the Doce River basin in Southeastern Brazil, contaminating the entire water body. Statistically significant correlations was observed for both Mn and Ag between Size Class 2 embryos and mother tissues, evidencing maternal transfer for these elements. Although no other significant associations were observed, probably due to the low sample number, several toxic metals were also detected in the assessed embryos. This baseline data will aid in future biomonitoring efforts and conservation measures.
Published Version
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