Assessment of trace elements, POPs, super(210)Po and stable isotopes ( super(15)N and super(13)C) in a rare filter-feeding shark: The megamouth

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 95; no. 1; pp. 402 - 406
• Main Authors: Moura, Jailson Fulgencio de, Merico, Agostino, Montone, Rosalinda Carmela, Silva, Josilene, Seixas, Tercia G, Godoy, Jose Marcus de Oliveira, Saint'Pierre, Tatiana Dillenburg, Hauser-Davis, Rachel A, Di Beneditto, Ana Paula Madeira, Reis, Estefane Cardinot, Tavares, Davi Castro, Lemos, Leila Soledade, Siciliano, Salvatore
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-06-2015
• Subjects: Marine; Megachasma pelagios; ASW, Brazil
• ISSN: 0025-326X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.038

With less than 60 records being reported worldwide, the megamouth (Megachasma pelagios) is today one of the least known shark species inhabiting our oceans. Therefore, information concerning the biology and ecology of this enigmatic organism is very scarce and limited to feeding behaviour and preferred habitat. The present work reports new data on the concentrations of trace elements, organic mercury, POPs and super(210)Po in hepatic and muscular tissues of a specimen found stranded in the southeastern coast of Brazil. Additionally, we provide new evidence based on stable isotope analysis ( delta super(15)N and delta super(13)C) confirming the preference for the pelagic habitat and the zooplanktivorous feeding behaviour of the megamouth. These results are consistent with the low concentrations of organic pollutant compounds and other elements measured in our samples.