Heavy metals in the fish Dormitator latifrons (Richardson, 1844) and water from the Tres Palos lagoon in Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

The objective of this study is to record the concentration of heavy metals in Dormitator latifrons (Richardson, 1844), popoyote, and Tres Palos lagoon water. In February 2011, water samples were taken in triplicate in polypropylene containers washed and treated with nitric acid. Each sample was adjusted to pH 2 in situ in the collection area and kept at 4oC until analysis. Thirty specimens of D. latifrons were also collected, frozen in situ, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. They were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicate the presence of Pb in fish and water. In the muscle, a concentration above the permissible limits was recorded, and in water, a concentration below the permissible limits according to the ecological criteria for water quality in Mexico. The presence of Cr, Cd and Mn in gills was recorded in relatively high concentrations, but in water it was not detected by the atomic absorption spectrophotometer, at a concentration lower than the limit of elements that could biomagnify in the field of aquaculture (Golovanova, 2008). Therefore, it is important to monitor these elements to ensure the quality of the fish that comes from this lagoon.