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Eel-pout (Zoarces viviparus L.) as a marine bioindicator
J D Schladot1, F Backhaus, P Ostapczuk
1Institute of Applied Physical Chemistry, Research Center of Jülich, Germany.
Chemosphere
|May 1, 1997
Summary
Eel-pout muscle effectively indicates mercury and arsenic levels, with 90% of mercury as methylmercury. Liver tissue is better for monitoring lead and thallium, but more research is needed for long-term use.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Marine Biology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- The viviparous blenny (Zoarces viviparus), or eel-pout, is a marine fish species.
- Understanding metal accumulation in fish is crucial for environmental monitoring and food safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze elemental and metal species concentrations in eel-pout.
- To evaluate the suitability of eel-pout as a bioindicator for various metals.
- To investigate the distribution and potential biomagnification of trace elements in eel-pout.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of several elements and metal species in eel-pout tissues.
- Quantification of mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As) in fish muscle.
- Assessment of lead (Pb) and thallium (Tl) concentrations in liver tissue.
- Evaluation of trace element (Cd, Ni, Co) biomagnification.
Main Results:
- Fish muscle is a suitable bioindicator for mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As).
- Approximately 90% of total Hg in muscle tissue is methylmercury.
- The liver exhibits higher concentrations of Pb and Tl, making it more useful for monitoring these metals.
- No biomagnification of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), or cobalt (Co) was observed in eel-pout.
Conclusions:
- Eel-pout muscle is a reliable bioindicator for mercury and arsenic.
- Liver tissue is recommended for monitoring lead and thallium in eel-pout.
- Further research is required to determine the long-term utility of eel-pout in monitoring programs.