Multielement analysis by total X-ray reflection, in muscle tissue of largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides (lacepade) and guapote Ciclhasoma maneguense (Gunter), in the Chichoj lagoon, San Cristobal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz

Abstract

In this work, the concentration of metals in the smooth muscle of Micropeturs salmoides (bass) and Cichlasoma managuense (guapote) was determined, two of the ichthyofaunistic species found in the Chichoj lagoon in San Cristóbal Verapaz, Alta Verapaz, which are the most consumed by the population.   The technique used in the determinations was Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence. Four samples were taken during the months of greatest industrial activity and therefore the greatest discharge of pollutants into the body of water in question, these being November and December 1993, January and February 1994. Based on previous studies, two sampling points were established, in which 3 specimens of each species were collected and with an r=2. The muscle was extracted from these individuals, which was weighed, dried at 60 degrees Celsius and ground and digested, prior to analysis by X-ray reflection.   The metals detected were K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Pb. No statistically significant differences were found, with a P value = 0.0001, using an alpha of 0.05, between the two sampling points for the elements detected, except in the case of lead, and no differences were found between the two species studied.   The concentration of the elements detected reported significant statistical differences, basically in the sampling months, with January being the month with the highest concentrations of Cu, Fe and Sr, February reporting the highest concentrations of K, Pb, Zn and Rb and November the highest of Cu.   The concentration values ​​of Pb found in the muscle of the fish exceed the tolerable weekly index. The Zn, Cu and Fe values ​ exceed the maximum admissible daily dose. Therefore, it is concluded that the species M. salmoides and C. managuense from the Chichoj lagoon are a risk to health.