Trace metal distribution in white shrimp (Litopenaeus schmitti) tissues from a Brazilian coastal area

Abstract

Biomonitoring in situ was performed in order to assess Sepetiba Bay’s Litopenaeus schmitti efficiency as environmental contamination biomonitor, an area historically contaminated by metals and where this shrimp is the second most abundant species. Trawlings were conducted during rainy and dry seasons close to the main pollution sources to evaluate Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn concentrations in muscle, exoskeleton, and whole body. After specimen classification, biometrics measurements, sex and age determination, samples were dried (50 °C) and grinded before acid extraction of metals, followed by ICP OES quantification. Concentrations were higher in whole shrimp samples, followed by exoskeleton and subsequently muscle samples. The descending concentration order was Zn > Cu > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb. Comparing previous studies in the area, Pb and Zn concentrations have decreased and Cu has increased. Males and females showed no significant differences. Adults showed higher concentrations of Cr and Zn than juveniles, but bioconcentration factor did not exceed 10−2, except for Cu (10−1). Nevertheless, it did not mean intake absence, once concentrations of Cr and Cu reached values above and close, respectively, to the consumption law.