Heavy Metals in Liver of the Franciscana Dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, from the Southern Coast of Buenos Aires, Argentina

The present study shows the considerable concentrations of heavy metals found in the liver of franciscana dolphins (n=24) by-caught between 2001 and 2007 in four localities of Buenos Aires province. Concentration of heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd and Ni were manifested in the four assessed localities, yet Cr was only detected in one of them, Necochea city. Differences according localities (Necochea and Claromeco) were found for Zn, Ni, Pb and Cu concentration. It was found that Cd concentrations were significantly different between maturity stages, yet positive correlated with age, total length and body weight. A positive correlation between Ni-Cd and a negative between Cu-Ni concentrations were registered. Based on these results, it is feasible to conclude that, not only the area of origin, but also total length, age and mainly the feeding habit, have taken part of this heavy metals accumulation in franciscana dolphins’ liver. Keywords: Argentina, Buenos Aires, franciscana, heavy metals, Pontoporia blainvillei.