Influência do sexo em Prochilodus argenteus na determinação de biomarcadores morfológicos e bioquímicos de impacto ambiental em rio contaminado por metais

Abstract

Fish gills have been analyzed in order to use the morphology and elements of the innate immune system as biomarkers to access the aquatic environments quality. Despite several studies, few approach the biomarkers answers considering the gender of the fish. In mammals, sex influences the susceptibility of animals to environmental contaminants such as heavy metals. However, in teleosts this influence is not well known. Thus, in this study we describe the behavior of some biological variables in gills of fish Prochilodus argenteus in order to use them as biomarkers in the evaluation of two points of São Francisco River. The environmental characterization of the collection points in the São Francisco River was held, and there was a high concentration of Cd in water and Cd and As in the sediment of the studied point localized just downstream of the dam, near the Votorantim Metals Zinc S.A. The histopathologies showed different behaviors according to the points of study and gender of the animals, as well as the immunological parameters. Thus, this study shows that some biological variables can be used as biomarkers in the study area and concluded that the gender has great influence on the response of animals to environmental contaminants. As downstream of the Three Marias is considered a conservation priority area of the São Francisco River, these biomarkers may assist in environmental monitoring programs in the region.