Selenium in Cichla melaniae in Areas Influenced by the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, Xingu River, Amazon

Authors

  • Luziane Barbosa Macedo Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Altamira, PA, Brazil
  • Thaís Pereira Nascimento Instituto de Investigaciones Marinas y Costeras (IIMYC, CONICET), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
  • Hildegard Silva Holanda Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Altamira, PA, Brazil
  • Marcelo de Oliveira Lima Instituto Evandro Chagas, Ananindeua, PA, Brazil
  • Tatiana da Silva Pereira Universidade Federal do Pará (UFPA), Altamira, PA, Brazil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2025.01.06

Keywords:

Amazon, Bioaccumulation, Bioconcentration, Sediment, tissues

Abstract

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient but can be toxic to fish at elevated concentrations. Studies have shown that the construction of hydroelectric dams increases the presence of toxic elements in reservoir areas. This study was conducted in March 2019 (Amazon flood season) and October 2020 (Amazon dry season) at four sites influenced by the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Plant. Conductivity showed a correlation with Se concentrations in the tissues of Cichla melaniae, as well as standard length (SL), particularly in the liver and muscle. During the flood season, significant differences in Se concentrations were observed between sites L1 and L3, L1 and L4, L2 and L3, and L2 and L4 (p<0.01). Differences were also found between gills and liver, and between liver and muscle (p<0.01). During the dry season, concentrations varied significantly across tissues (p<0.01). A comparative analysis between the seasons indicated higher Se concentrations during the flood season. The liver exhibited the highest concentrations in both seasons, especially at the reservoir site (L2) and the reference site (L1). These findings underscore the influence of seasonal factors on Se concentrations and highlight the need for continuous monitoring in areas impacted by hydroelectric plant.

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Published

21-12-2025

How to Cite

Macedo, L. B., Nascimento, T. P., Holanda, H. S., Lima, M. de O., & Pereira, T. da S. (2025). Selenium in Cichla melaniae in Areas Influenced by the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Power Plant, Xingu River, Amazon. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Contamination, 20(1), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.5132/eec.2025.01.06

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original Articles

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