Assessing the histological changes in fish gills as environmental bioindicators in Paraty and Sepetiba bays in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Histological changes in the gills of two fish species, Menticirrhus americanus and Micropogonias furnieri, serve as effective bioindicators for assessing environmental quality in Paraty and Sepetiba bays, Brazil. The study found that Paraty Bay is in good conservation condition, while Sepetiba Bay exhibits significant contamination, evidenced by gill lesions such as epithelial lifting, aneurysm, and necrosis in fish collected from the area. Researchers analyzed a random sample of 58 fish to evaluate these histological biomarkers, which provide a reliable method for measuring environmental hazards and stressors. This approach highlights the potential of using specific fish species as sentinels for monitoring water quality and ecological health.

Carvalho, T. L. A. d. B., Do Nascimento, A. A., Gonçalves, C. F. D. S., Dos Santos, M. A. J., & Sales, A. (2020). Assessing the histological changes in fish gills as environmental bioindicators in Paraty and Sepetiba bays in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Latin American Journal of Aquatic Research, 48(4), 590–601. https://doi.org/10.3856/vol48-issue4-fulltext-2351