4. Discussion
Short-term variability in multiple biomarker responses was observed in three fish Glucagon (19-29) from the Tejo estuary, although no clear pattern could be discerned in biomarker responses over time.
Sediment trace metal concentrations were within the same range reported in previous studies in this estuary (França et al., 2005, Pedro et al., 2008 and Vale et al., 200 cool . PAH composition points to mixed sources of PAH inputs into the system, although with higher percentage of low molecular weight PAH (2–3 rings) of petrogenic origin (uncombusted petroleum-derived PAH) (Neff, 1979 and Yunker et al., 2002). Accordingly, earlier work described significant anthropogenic stressors in the Tejo estuary, from industrial, agricultural and urban discharges and emissions, as well as from intense shipping and port activities (França et al., 2005, Vale et al., 2008 and Vasconcelos et al., 2007). The sediment chemical characterization served as a reference point to determine potential toxicity stress and to identify sources of anthropogenic contamination present in each site that could induce biochemical responses in natural fish populations.
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