First report on metal and metalloid contamination of Ampullae of Lorenzini in sharks

First report on metal and metalloid contamination of Ampullae of Lorenzini in sharks: A case study employing the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii from Southeastern Brazil as an ecotoxicological model

Isabel Quental Willmer, Natascha Wosnick, Rafael Christian Chávez Rocha, Tatiana Dillenburg, Saint’Pierre, Marcelo Vianna, Rachel Ann Hauser-Davis

ABSTRACT:

Metal contamination has never been assessed in Ampullae of Lorenzini. This study employed Rhizoprionodon lalandii, as an ecotoxicological model to investigate potential metal accumulation in Ampullae of Lorenzini jelly. No differences between sexes were observed regarding jelly metal concentrations at Rio das Ostras (RJ) or Santos (SP). Statistically significant correlations were noted between total lengths (TL) and condition factors and several metals at both sampling sites, demonstrating the potential for Chondrichthyan sensory capacity disruption and possible effects on foraging success. Maternal metal transfer to Ampullae jelly was confirmed. Rhizoprionodon lalandii is thus, a good model to assess Ampullae of Lorenzini contamination, as this electrosensory organ seems to be highly vulnerable to metal contamination.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, Volume 179, DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113671

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