Trace elements and parasitism in Nile tilapia farmed in the Southern Brazil

This study evaluated the trace elements and parasitological indices in Nile tilapia examined from two different facilities, named as swine-consorted, using pig manure, and monoculture. For trace element analysis, the fish muscle tissue was collected individually in each facility. Each portion was weighed, dried in a stove at 60°C for 48 h and analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (EDXRF). Parasitological analysis followed the routine method for parasites collection, quantification and identification. The predominant element was zinc (Zn) followed by iron (Fe) and arsenic (As) in fish from both facilities. Fish from swine-consorted system had greater values of abundance and mean intensity of trichodinids and fish from monoculture showed higher abundance and mean intensity of monogeneans. Nevertheless, no signs of damage to fish production was observed. The contents of the elements Zn, Fe, As, cooper (Cu) and mercury (Hg) were above of the maximum permitted limits recommended by the Brazilian legislation.

Abstract licence: CC BY

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