Study evaluated the effect of the concentration of heavy metals present in three fish and their parasites in Antarctica

The investigation considered two strategic points located in Antarctica to carry out analyzes and evaluate their condition and behavior.

Jean Pierre Molina Medina/ Journalist Faculty of Sciences UCSC.- “Effects of the concentration of heavy metals and parasites on the condition factor of Antarctic fish”, is the title of the study carried out by Fernanda Vargas to complete her Master’s degree in Marine Ecology at the Faculty of Sciences of the Catholic University of the Holy Conception (UCSC). The investigation had Dr. Mario George-Nascimento as director and Lizette Zenteno as co-director.

The study considered two bays in Antarctica: Bahía Fildes and Bahía Sur, with different anthropogenic factors. In Bahía Fildes there were more human activities than in Bahía Sur. “The concentrations of metals in parasites are very high compared to what can be found either in fish or in water. They are more powerful bioaccumulators than other organisms”, explained Fernanda Vargas.

Three species were used: Notothenia coryceps, N. rossii Y Harpagifer antarcticus.

Main results

A total of five heavy metals were analyzed, where only two had a higher concentration in Bahía Fildes. In addition, two others were older in Bahía Sur. “Through this particular measurement, we could not accept our hypothesis that we were going to find higher concentrations of heavy metals in Bahía Fildes, considering all its antecedents. What we did verify was the bioaccumulation of parasites in relation to the fish,” said Fernanda Vargas.

In this way, in four heavy metals the concentration was higher. Only iron was not accepted, since it has higher concentrations in the liver of fish than in parasites.

Regarding the importance of the study, Fernanda Vargas points out that “it can have negative effects. Iron and zinc have negative effects on fish growth. There are other metals that affect the liver or reproduction. Our research ensures that the presence of parasites can help reduce the concentration of these fish and in some way, buffer the effects of heavy metals.”

In Bahía Sur this analysis had not been done previously in fish Notothenia coryceps, N. rossii and in their parasites. The comparison between these bays and comparing the reaction between heavy metals and parasites is part of the novelty of the study. For this investigation, a sampling campaign was carried out that considered one month in each bay. The laboratory analysis and reading of heavy metals was done in the facilities of the Faculty of Sciences UCSC.

Regarding her passage through the Master in Marine Ecology, Fernanda Vargas appreciates the experience that enriched her training. “I really liked doing this Master, I think it is necessary as a stage prior to the doctorate. It was a good choice, since they gave me tools, in addition to theory. Class by class we had to present on papers, which helped me develop as a presenter, for example”.

The use of the methodology, the practical part and the bibliography were also aspects that he highlighted during his time in this postgraduate program.

Fernanda currently works as a research assistant at the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile at its station located in Las Cruces.