What does this research mean for the field?

Mature Atlantic chub mackerel (Scomber colias) exhibit significantly higher muscle concentrations of cadmium, lead, iron, and zinc compared to young individuals, with a critical ontogenetic shift occurring at approximately 28 cm total length. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.NOVEL_FINDING. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to quantify trace metal bioaccumulation in Scomber colias during habitat transitions from pelagic to benthic stages.

February 26, 2026Open Access

Stage-dependent trace metal bioaccumulation in Scomber colias across the ontogenetic transition

Key Points

The aim is to quantify trace metal bioaccumulation in Scomber colias during habitat transitions from pelagic to benthic stages.
Classified 201 individuals as young (<28 cm TL) or mature (≥28 cm TL)
Applied segmented regressions and multivariate analyses
Utilized a Potential Ecological Risk Index to assess metal concentration risks
Monitored muscle concentrations of aluminium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, and zinc
Mature adults had significantly higher concentrations of Cd, Pb, Fe, and Zn compared to young adults
Metal concentrations increased with the size of the fish, indicating a correlation between growth and bioaccumulation
Breakpoints identified between size 22.4 cm and 35.6 cm TL suggest a tipping point around 28 cm TL for habitat transition
Segmented models demonstrated a strong non-linear relationship (R2 > 0.94) between size and metal concentrations

Abstract

Habitat transitions linked to ontogeny can markedly alter contaminant exposure in marine fishes, yet their effects on trace-metal bioaccumulation remain poorly quantified. This study examines how the shift from pelagic to benthic habitats shapes muscle concentrations of aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in the Atlantic chub mackerel Scomber colias, a key commercial species in the NE Atlantic. A total of 201 individuals from artisanal fisheries in the Canary Islands were classified as young ( 0.94) • Metal ratios (Cu/Zn, Cd/Pb) indicate stage-specific exposure.

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Cite This Study

Lozano-Bilbao et al. (Sun,) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699fe37b95ddcd3a253e7591 https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127880

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