Cuttlefish capsule: An effective shield against contaminants in the wild

摘要: Abstract Increasing anthropogenic pressures in estuaries are responsible for the rise of contaminants several compartments these ecosystems. Species that benefit from nursery services provided by exposed to such (e.g. metals and metalloids). It is therefore relevant understand if marine invertebrates use areas as spawning grounds accumulate their tissues throughout embryogenesis. This study aimed quantify As, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, Pb, V Zn concentrations both capsule embryos common cuttlefish ( Sepia officinalis ) Sado Estuary (Portugal). Moreover, at initial, intermediate final stage development were collected sites subjected different pressures. In general, accumulated higher element concentration embryogenesis which indicates acts an effective barrier against uptake embryo. Although becomes thinner embryogenesis, embryo’s protection does not seem be compromised later stages. Additionally, Se embryo comparison suggests important biological roles during this cephalopod mollusc.