**3. Results and discussion**

#### **3.1. Environmental parameters**

The mean values of the abiotic variables recorded in the PNCM throughout the sampled period (rainy and dry season) were measured and are shown in **Table 1**. Temperature and pH remained practically constant in both areas during rainy and dry periods.


b Resolution No. 357, CONAMA (Brazilian Legislation) 15 March 2005.

**Table 1.** Environmental parameters analyzed at each sampling location in Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil.

These data indicate that all the abiotic factors of PNCM waterfalls are within the values accepted by the National Environmental Council [19]. CONAMA Resolution No. of 17 May 2011, which complements and amends Resolution No. 357/2005 of 17 March 2005, presents specific values that classify freshwater bodies (lentic and lotic) and shows that below recommended levels, these values may cause adaptive changes in the morphology of erythrocytes of bioindicator species (such as fish) and, consequently, a decrease in hematocrit values [16, 20].

#### **3.2. Biometric data**

and Lajinha. The hydrographic basin of the Farinha River is one of the main tributaries of the Tocantins river basin, being the most explored from the ecotourism and local point of view.

In total, 32 fishes were sampled in PNCM: [1] São Romão Waterfall (n = 12) and [2] Prata Waterfall (n = 20). The stations were georeferenced by Global Positioning System (GPS). The fishes were collected in the rainy period (March 2017) and in the dry period (June 2017) with fixed nets 22 in the upstream and downstream of the waterfalls. The genera selected for analysis of the biomarkers were *H. pusarum* and *M. duriventre*. The selection of species is related to

Physicochemical parameters—temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen—were measured at each site during the dry and rainy season when fishes were sampled. The parameters were

Specimens of *H. pusarum* and *M. duriventre* were sampled, transferred to a plastic vat with water and then anesthetized for 5 min in clove solution. Blood was collected from the gills of individual *H. pusarum* and *M. duriventre* (n = 32 from the two sampling sites) using heparinized syringes. A drop of blood from each fish was placed on two microscope slides and smeared. The slides were left to dry at room temperature for 24 h and then fixed in absolute ethanol for 30 min. One set of slides (n = 32) was stained with 10% Giemsa diluted in phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) and analyzed using a light microscope. A total of 2000 cells per slide were analyzed. Micronuclei and morphological nuclear abnormalities in the erythrocytes

For each fish specimen, biometric data—total length (TL), fork length (FL), standard length

The obtained data were submitted to the normality test, and the obtained results were compared by Student's t-test. For the differences in location between the means obtained for the two collection sites and the biometric data, the multiple comparison test (P < 0.05) was used.

The mean values of the abiotic variables recorded in the PNCM throughout the sampled period (rainy and dry season) were measured and are shown in **Table 1**. Temperature and pH

remained practically constant in both areas during rainy and dry periods.

their habit and their frequency throughout the years in PNCM rivers and waterfalls.

**2.5. Micronuclei, morphological nuclear abnormalities and biometric data**

**2.3. Sampling sites and fishes in the PNCM**

88 National Parks - Management and Conservation

**2.4. Environmental parameters**

analyzed using the ASKO multiparameter.

were deemed indicative of genotoxicity [18].

(SL) and total weight (TW)—were recorded.

**2.6. Statistical analysis of data**

**3. Results and discussion**

**3.1. Environmental parameters**

#### *3.2.1. M. duriventre*

The results from statistical analysis of the *M. duriventre* biometric in São Romão and Prata Waterfall from PCNM can be observed in **Table 2**.

The biometric data submitted to the normality test for *M. duriventre* indicated that there is not a significant difference between the treatments for the São Romão and Prata Waterfall. According to Pinheiro-Sousa [8], the statistical difference can be related to the environmental conditions of the available resources in two distinct points of a protected area.

In addition, the biometrics data were higher for fish in the dry period in the São Romão Waterfall and in the rainy period for Cachoeira da Prata. This difference between the size


Total number of species sampled = 19; number of species in São Romão Waterfall = 8 and number of species in Prata Waterfall = 11. Biometric data: TL (total length); FL (fork length); SL (standard length) and TW (total weight).

**Table 2.** Biometric data of *M. duriventre* sampled in the São Romão and Prata Waterfall, Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil.

of the individuals shows that the reproductive and growth behavior of the pacú is different for the two areas sampled. Individuals of *M. duriventre* have diurnal habits, are migratory, and in the ebb form schools and migrate upstream to spawn in the confluences of rivers and waterfalls in the reproductive periods. The reproduction is long, covering drought (November) and flood (May), being the most intense spawning between December and February [21] for the Amazonian regions.

*3.2.3. Micronucleus (MN) and nuclear morphological changes (NMC) in M. duriventre and* 

**Table 4** shows the incidence of micronucleus (MN) and nuclear morphological changes (NMC) in erythrocytes of *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum* collected at the different sampling points in the PNCM. Studies applied to resistant aquatic species are considered of great relevance, since the alterations found in any level of biological organization (molecular, biochemical and cellular) can indicate the degree of impact of a given ecosystem [23]. In relation to the genotoxic changes found, a low incidence of MN and NMA was observed for the two species sampled at the PNCM collection points. However, the genotoxic changes found were greater for pacú (*M.* 

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According to the bioecology of the taxa, the cascudo presents a dermis/benthic habit and, probably, the environmental conditions and the possible environmental impacts of the PNCM in relation to the pacú are probably more resistant. These data are important and highlight cascudo as a bioindicator species more appropriate for biomarker studies in the PNCM. In addition, these data corroborate the general theory of the biomarkers of aquatic contamination that states that benthic species are more appropriate for studies of biomonitoring in rela-

The **Figure 2** shows a photomicrograph of the changes found in *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum* for the two areas sampled at different points in the PNCM. Micronucleus (MN), vacuolated nuclei (VN) and binucleated nuclei (BN) were found. In addition, most cells were found in the

The use of hematological and genotoxic parameters in model organisms (such as fish) has allowed to evaluate the quality of aquatic ecosystems and the effect of pollutants as well as changes in their toxic potential after exposure to the environment [24]. According to these

**Species N MN NV NB NE MN NV NB NE** *Mylossoma* sp. 9 0 0 50 33 0 8 123 0 *Hypostomus* sp. 5 0 1 5 0 2 0 7 0

**Species N MN NV NB NE MN NV NB NE** *Mylossoma* sp. 10 18 0 75 0 22 15 69 0 *Hypostomus* sp. 7 4 0 45 0 18 0 38 0 n = total number of fishes sampled; MN = micronucleus; NV = vacuolated nucleus; NB = binucleated nucleus.

**Table 4.** Frequency of micronucleus and morphologic changes in *M. pusarum* and *M. duriventre* from the Chapada das

**Rain São Romão Waterfall Prata Waterfall**

**Dry São Romão Waterfall Prata Waterfall**

tion to species potential sources of pollution in aquatic ecosystems [8].

defense system such as lymphocytes and eosinophils.

Mesas National Park, Brazil.

*H. pusarum*

*duriventre*) than the cascudo (*H. pusarum*).

Thus, for the PNCM, where two seasons are defined, one of which is dry (May/October) and the other rainy (November/April), the growth and reproduction relationship of *M. duriventre* has a differentiated structure, although it did not indicate a statistical difference between the means and standard deviation analyzed.

#### *3.2.2. H. pusarum*

The results from statistical analysis of the *H. pusarum* (cascudo) biometric in São Romão and Prata Waterfall, from PCNM can be observed in **Table 3**.

The biometric data submitted to the normality test for *H. pusarum* also indicated that there is no significant difference between treatments for São Romão and Prata Waterfall. However, taxa of *H. pusarum* captured in the dry season presented higher values of total length (CT) and weight (PT) for the two sampling areas.

In addition, the biometric data were higher for the cascudo than for the pacú. In this case, spawning in females of *H. pusarum* occurs at distinct periods for the different species of the Loricariidae family, offering an adaptive advantage since it reduces the intraspecific competition [22]. Thus, it is probable that the cascudo was captured in all the reproductive cycles for the sampling points of the PNCM, which conferred a greater biometry than the pacú. As *M. duriventre* migrate upstream to reproduce, it was probably not observed in minor individuals (in growth and feeding period) in the São Romão and Prata Waterfall.


Total number of species sampled = 13; number of species in São Romão Waterfall = 4 and number of species in Prata Waterfall = 9. Biometric data: TL (total length); FL (fork length); SL (standard length) and TW (total weight).

**Table 3.** Biometric data of *H. pusarum* sampled in the São Romão and Prata Waterfall, Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil.

## *3.2.3. Micronucleus (MN) and nuclear morphological changes (NMC) in M. duriventre and H. pusarum*

of the individuals shows that the reproductive and growth behavior of the pacú is different for the two areas sampled. Individuals of *M. duriventre* have diurnal habits, are migratory, and in the ebb form schools and migrate upstream to spawn in the confluences of rivers and waterfalls in the reproductive periods. The reproduction is long, covering drought (November) and flood (May), being the most intense spawning between December and

Thus, for the PNCM, where two seasons are defined, one of which is dry (May/October) and the other rainy (November/April), the growth and reproduction relationship of *M. duriventre* has a differentiated structure, although it did not indicate a statistical difference between the

The results from statistical analysis of the *H. pusarum* (cascudo) biometric in São Romão and

The biometric data submitted to the normality test for *H. pusarum* also indicated that there is no significant difference between treatments for São Romão and Prata Waterfall. However, taxa of *H. pusarum* captured in the dry season presented higher values of total length (CT) and

In addition, the biometric data were higher for the cascudo than for the pacú. In this case, spawning in females of *H. pusarum* occurs at distinct periods for the different species of the Loricariidae family, offering an adaptive advantage since it reduces the intraspecific competition [22]. Thus, it is probable that the cascudo was captured in all the reproductive cycles for the sampling points of the PNCM, which conferred a greater biometry than the pacú. As *M. duriventre* migrate upstream to reproduce, it was probably not observed in minor individuals (in growth

**São Romão Waterfall São Romão Waterfall**

Total number of species sampled = 13; number of species in São Romão Waterfall = 4 and number of species in Prata

**Table 3.** Biometric data of *H. pusarum* sampled in the São Romão and Prata Waterfall, Chapada das Mesas National Park,

TL (cm) 16.95 ± .0.63 15.75 ± 0.77 14.2 ± 6.42 19.99 ± 6.16 FL (cm) 14.1 ± 0.10 12.65 ± 0.77 12.83 ± 5.39 18.86 ± 6.79 SL (cm) 13.05 ± 0.35 11 ± 0.70 11.76 ± 4.57 17.34 ± 6.38 TW (g) 32 ± 28.28 26 ± 2.82 13.66 ± 12.66 128.33 ± 97.22

Waterfall = 9. Biometric data: TL (total length); FL (fork length); SL (standard length) and TW (total weight).

**Rainy season Dry season Rainy season Dry season**

February [21] for the Amazonian regions.

90 National Parks - Management and Conservation

means and standard deviation analyzed.

weight (PT) for the two sampling areas.

Prata Waterfall, from PCNM can be observed in **Table 3**.

and feeding period) in the São Romão and Prata Waterfall.

**Parameter (mean ± SD) Means ± Standard deviations (SD)**

*3.2.2. H. pusarum*

Brazil.

**Table 4** shows the incidence of micronucleus (MN) and nuclear morphological changes (NMC) in erythrocytes of *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum* collected at the different sampling points in the PNCM.

Studies applied to resistant aquatic species are considered of great relevance, since the alterations found in any level of biological organization (molecular, biochemical and cellular) can indicate the degree of impact of a given ecosystem [23]. In relation to the genotoxic changes found, a low incidence of MN and NMA was observed for the two species sampled at the PNCM collection points. However, the genotoxic changes found were greater for pacú (*M. duriventre*) than the cascudo (*H. pusarum*).

According to the bioecology of the taxa, the cascudo presents a dermis/benthic habit and, probably, the environmental conditions and the possible environmental impacts of the PNCM in relation to the pacú are probably more resistant. These data are important and highlight cascudo as a bioindicator species more appropriate for biomarker studies in the PNCM. In addition, these data corroborate the general theory of the biomarkers of aquatic contamination that states that benthic species are more appropriate for studies of biomonitoring in relation to species potential sources of pollution in aquatic ecosystems [8].

The **Figure 2** shows a photomicrograph of the changes found in *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum* for the two areas sampled at different points in the PNCM. Micronucleus (MN), vacuolated nuclei (VN) and binucleated nuclei (BN) were found. In addition, most cells were found in the defense system such as lymphocytes and eosinophils.

The use of hematological and genotoxic parameters in model organisms (such as fish) has allowed to evaluate the quality of aquatic ecosystems and the effect of pollutants as well as changes in their toxic potential after exposure to the environment [24]. According to these


**Table 4.** Frequency of micronucleus and morphologic changes in *M. pusarum* and *M. duriventre* from the Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil.

In addition, a large number of defense cells were found in the material analyzed. These include eosinophils and lymphocytes. According to Ranzani-Paiva and Silva-Souza [30], the eosinophils present diverse sizes, relatively small, and can vary according to the quantity or size of granules contained in the cytoplasm. The nucleus is rounded and eccentric with compact chromatin. This type of cell is distributed throughout the connective tissue, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and gills. One of the eosinophils functions is to intervene in the chronic inflammation processes, mainly in cellular defense, as how the fish was analyzed

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In contrast, the lymphocytes are predominantly rounded cells, varying in size with the basophilic cytoplasm and without visible granulations, the nucleus has a rounded form, dense chromatin, and its relation with the cytoplasm is elevated [31]. Lymphocytes prevail in the body's defense reaction, but in stress situations, the number of circulating lymphocytes decreases [32]. Pickering [33] reported that lymphocyte decline may be related to. This is an important step in reducing the fish's ability to defend against pathogens. These data indicate that the degree of pacú and cascudo stress is probably low when compared to other studies in Maranhão Conservation Units [8, 26, 34]. Thus, the evaluation of hematology is an important tool for understanding fish sanity of the resources available in PNCM. For *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum*, these results should be supported by a chemical analysis of the São Romão and Prata Waterfalls to evaluate the degree of impact that this region has been suffering along the process of ecotourism expansion and, of

Means and standard deviations (SDs) of the biometric data of *H. pusarum* showed length and total weight are greater than *M. duriventre*. Nuclear morphological changes (NMAs) were identified in the two sampled species for the two collection points. Among the NMAs found, binucleated nucleus (BN), vacuolated nucleus (VC) and micronucleus (MN) were also found in both species; however, in *M. duriventre*, the frequency of MN and NMA was higher than *H. pusarum*. Probably, the cascudo (*H. pusarum*), considered a benthic species and resistant to environmental conditions, presented a lower frequency of genotoxic alterations than the Pacú (*M. duriventre*), that is, a species that presents a migratory habit and sensitive to environmental variables. Besides, the frequency of MN and NMA was not significant to indicate possible environmental impacts in the two sampled areas. The presented data show that methodologies based on biomarkers and bioindicator species can be used in future biomonitoring and park

We thank the staff of the Laboratory of Biomarkers in Aquatic Organisms (LABOAq/UEMA) for technical support. The Maranhão State Research Foundation—FAPEMA (Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa e ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Estado do Maranhão)

possible, indirectly influenced ventures of the park.

for PNCM.

**4. Conclusions**

management programs.

**Acknowledgements**

for financial support.

**Figure 2.** Photomicrograph (×1000) of erythrocytes of *H. pusarum* and *M. duriventre* stained with Giemsa from the São Romão and Prata Waterfall, Chapada das Mesas National Park, Brazil, showing (A) lymphocytes and normal cells erythrocytes (arrow), (B) binucleated nucleus (arrow) and micronucleus (arrow), (C) eosinophils (arrow) and (D) vacuolated nucleus (arrows).

authors, the biological parameters discussed are verified at the cellular level and provide two types of analyses that reveal damage to the genetic material: the micronucleus test. The increase in the frequency of micronucleated cells is a marker of genotoxic effect that may reflect a exposure to agents with clastogenic mode of action (chromosome breakdown [25]. In the present study, the effect of the antigen on the chromosome number was not significant.

The incidence of NM to the PNCM sampling points was lower than NMA. These data differ from studies performed by Pinheiro-Sousa [8] and Carvalho-Neta et al. [26] who found a higher incidence of MN for the Environmental Protection Area of Maracanã. Thus, despite the low frequency of NMA and MN, especially of micronuclei, it is suggested that the Waterfalls of São Romão and Prata still do not suffer from point sources of pollution.

The presence of nuclear morphological changes (NMA) should be considered as complementary data to micronucleus records and as changes resulting from the induction by cytogenotoxic agents [18, 27] or by induction of pollutants. In fish, several types of nuclear anomalies do not yet have their origin completely understood. However, Carrasco et al. [28] and Galvan [29] have described and photographed some morphological changes found in fish erythrocyte nuclei. These alterations were classified as follows: [1] binucleate nuclei: nuclei that present cuts of two nuclei and nuclear membrane bounded and [2] nucleus vacuolizados: these nuclei present a region that resembles the vacuoles inside. These vacuoles are devoid of any visible material along the nuclear structure [29].

In addition, a large number of defense cells were found in the material analyzed. These include eosinophils and lymphocytes. According to Ranzani-Paiva and Silva-Souza [30], the eosinophils present diverse sizes, relatively small, and can vary according to the quantity or size of granules contained in the cytoplasm. The nucleus is rounded and eccentric with compact chromatin. This type of cell is distributed throughout the connective tissue, especially in the gastrointestinal tract and gills. One of the eosinophils functions is to intervene in the chronic inflammation processes, mainly in cellular defense, as how the fish was analyzed for PNCM.

In contrast, the lymphocytes are predominantly rounded cells, varying in size with the basophilic cytoplasm and without visible granulations, the nucleus has a rounded form, dense chromatin, and its relation with the cytoplasm is elevated [31]. Lymphocytes prevail in the body's defense reaction, but in stress situations, the number of circulating lymphocytes decreases [32]. Pickering [33] reported that lymphocyte decline may be related to. This is an important step in reducing the fish's ability to defend against pathogens. These data indicate that the degree of pacú and cascudo stress is probably low when compared to other studies in Maranhão Conservation Units [8, 26, 34].

Thus, the evaluation of hematology is an important tool for understanding fish sanity of the resources available in PNCM. For *M. duriventre* and *H. pusarum*, these results should be supported by a chemical analysis of the São Romão and Prata Waterfalls to evaluate the degree of impact that this region has been suffering along the process of ecotourism expansion and, of possible, indirectly influenced ventures of the park.
