Determination and evaluation of mercury concentration in fish in the São Francisco River Watershed, Brazil

The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioaccumulation mercury in 13 species fish with different eating habits, captured Três Marias Reservoir, São Francisco Basin, from March 2012 April 2013. results obtained showed that carnivorous habit presented highest average concentrations muscle, especially Serrasalmus brandtii (pirambeba) and Pygocentrus piraya (piranha), 0.4147 ± 0.2744 μg g-1 0.17774 0.2980 g-1, respectively. Considering concentrations, all studied levels below maximum limit 0.5 non-predatory 1.0 predatory fish, established by Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Taking each into account, minimum values muscular hepatic tissues a wide dispersion. In 4% specimens pirambeba 7% piranha, contents muscle exceeded ANVISA for therefore, were unfit human consumption. other did not present samples Hg content above law. Due its distribution can be considered biomonitor, capable bioaccumulating mercury, thus indicating level contamination aquatic environment which it lives.