Abstract

BANOS-BANOS, Joana J. et al. Concentration of trace elements (Copper and Zinc) in muscle and liver of the Atlantic sharpnose shark (Rhizoprionodon terraenovae), captured off the coast of Campeche, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2023, vol.94, e944265.  Epub May 30, 2023. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2023.94.4265.

The aim of this study was to analyze the concentrations of zinc and copper in the muscle (n = 14) and liver (n = 72) of Rhizoprionodon terraenovae, a shark species with the highest capture and consumption rate in the coast of Campeche, México. According to the total length (TL), the organisms analyzed were adults (TL= 89.8 ± 13.7 cm). The highest concentrations (mg/kg of wet weight) of trace elements were in liver: zinc (16.23 ± 8.45) > copper (2.32 ± 0.84); while in muscle: zinc (6.48 ± 2.89) > copper (0.39 ± 0.14). No significant differences were found in concentrations of trace elements by tissue between sexes, nor a significant correlation with the TL of the organisms. Both metals were positively correlated in each tissue. A biodiminution of 0.22 mg/kg in copper and 9.58 mg/kg in zinc was registered in the liver from 2015 to 2019, probably due to an increase of metallothioneins. The concentrations of both trace elements in muscle were below the maximum limits established by International Standards. In conclusion, the levels of zinc and copper currently do not imply risks for the health of R. terraenovae (liver), nor its consumption (muscle) for society.

Keywords : Gulf of Mexico; Marine pollution; Biodiminution; Bioaccumulation; Elasmobranchs.

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