Biomarcadores em Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763), desenvolvimento de bio-ontologia e aplicativo para monitoramento de impactos ambientais em regiões portuárias do Maranhão

Abstract

This study aimed to use biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Linnaeus, 1763) as a basis for the development of a bio-ontology and an application to monitor environmental impacts in port regions of Maranhão. In 2021, male specimens of U. cordatus (caranguejo-uçá) were captured quarterly in the mangroves of the Port Complex of São Luís - MA (through the bracing technique) at two different points: P1 located between two ports in the industrial region of São Luís (where there is an intense flow of small and large vessels, due to port and fishing activities); P2 which is close to an important fishing and tourist port in the region subject to human interference (effluents, solid waste and vessel engine oil). Biometric measurements were recorded from the specimens and the gills and hepatopancreas were extracted for histological analysis and enzyme activity (catalase – CAT and glutathione S-transferase – GST). Gills, hepatopancreas and edible tissue of the crabs were also collected for analysis of metals (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni and Zn). In the field, water and sediment samples were collected for analysis of the content of metals and other elements (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, Mn, N, Ni, P and Zn). The results for the abiotic parameters showed values in accordance with the legislation for both areas. Al, P, Mn and Zn were found at levels above those permitted in the water. All elements found in the sediment were higher in P1. In general, the elements in the tissues were concentrated in the order: Fe>Al>Zn>Cu>Mn>Ni>Cr>Pb for point P1 and Al>Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Ni>Cr>Pb for point P2. Changes in CAT and GST activities were found in crabs from both areas, with the gills showing the highest activity (p < 0.05), as they were in direct contact with the contaminant (acute response). The results showed higher values of histological lesions in P1, but it was observed that the damage to the organ was similar between the areas. The lesions classified as irreversible were found in large numbers in organisms captured in P1, compromising the functioning of the organ and the health of the organisms residing in this region. More severe histological changes were observed in the hepatopancreas, with the organ best demonstrating the history of contamination. The biomarker information served as a basis for the construction of the bio-ontology with the biomonitor species. The evolution of the ontology has helped to connect concepts, facilitating the understanding of the stress of the estuarine environment where port activities are located. This reinforces the usefulness of the bio-ontology for environmental monitoring in port regions. The Crab Monitor software was created and will act to better share and access information, in a more effective approach to biomonitoring of port regions with native species. Based on the results obtained, it is concluded that the bio-ontology and the Crab Monitor software can assist in the continuous and predictive monitoring of port and industrial regions.