Microanalysis by SEM-EDS on Elemental Composition of HgCl2 induced marine fish.

Abstract

In the present study the marine fish was exposed to mercuric chloride under controlled conditions and along with algal extract. In response to its toxicity and defense, the elemental distributions in gill, liver, kidney and brain were determined using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX). Spectroscopic analysis of tissues from two treatments demonstrated that higher levels of cations (K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) occurred in HgCl2 fish .The possibility that these accumulation patterns arise from differences in uptake processes and structural properties is related to tolerance mechanisms. Resolving element distribution and speciation in fish is essential for understanding the mechanisms involved in mercury tolerance, trafficking and accumulation.