Determination of lead (Pb) in feces of lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (F AAS)

Abstract

The determination of metallic ions by flame atomic absorption spectrometry reaffirms the success of the technique for ecological and toxicological studies of environmental contamination. In order to contribute to the scientific research on anthropogenic contamination, the study of lead in feces of Lontra longicaudis (Olfers, 1818) in the Guaraguaçu River Basin aims to understand the anthropogenic environmental contamination of the local ecosystem, located in one of the largest port areas in Brazil. Six samples were collected along the Guaraguaçu River. To determine the lead concentration by flame atomic absorption spectrometry method, samples were extracted with HNO3 1 % v/v. Lead concentration values about 1 mg L-1 were detected in feces samples, indicating abnormalities. Thus, the analytical method allows the interpolation of fecal analysis of L. longicaudis in order to quantify the inorganic contaminants in water, secondary food web items and complementary data of elements that do not yet exist in normative tables. Thus, it converges to deepen the development of possible actions to control, monitor and inspect this element in the environment and in its main anthropogenic sources of contamination and for the presentation of possible conservation strategies of the ecosystemic biodiversity.