Life (Jan 2023)

Impacts of the Residual Trace Metals of Aquaculture in Net Cages on the Quality of Sediment

  • Hênio do Nascimento Melo Júnior,
  • Francisco José de Paula Filho,
  • Jorge Marcel Coelho Menezes,
  • José Augusto Soares de Araújo,
  • Jorge Ederson Gonçalves Santana,
  • Hênio Vitor Sobral Melo,
  • Rosimara de Sales Vieira,
  • Cícera Datiane de Morais Oliveira-Tintino,
  • Saulo Relison Tintino,
  • Henrique Douglas Melo Coutinho,
  • Raimundo Nonato Pereira Teixeira

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/life13020338
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 2
p. 338

Abstract

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Anthropogenic pollution by trace metals in aquatic environments in semiarid zones is a critical area of investigation. The objective of this study was to investigate the concentration and spatial distribution of trace metals in surface sediments in the Rosário reservoir, which is affected by the intensive aquaculture of Tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus). Sediment samples were collected in three different areas, postculture (PCTV), cultivation (CTV) and control (CTRL) in the dry season in 2019. The granulometric composition, organic matter and concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni metals were determined. Multivariate statistics were used. Geochemical and ecotoxicological indices and a comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were used. The sediment was characterized by silty clay loam with an average organic matter of 18.76 ± 4.27. The analytical merit figures demonstrated accuracy (metal recoveries in certified standards) between 89 to 99% and high precision (RSD −1). The highest concentration values were found in the CTV areas (Fe: 40 ± 0.22, Mn: 66.48 ± 19.11, Zn: 114.83 ± 59.75 and Cr: 70.85 ± 2.62) and PCTV (Cd: 0.53 ± 0.04, Cu: 71.83 ± 21.20, Pb: 33.71 ± 4.34 and Ni: 44.60 ± 1.79). Pearson’s correlation, hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis confirmed the influence of fish farming on metals. Only Ni presented concentration values higher than the reference value established in the SQG. Thus, considering the probable geochemical and ecotoxicological effects, they comprise the two lowest levels of impact.

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