Gabriel Vasco, Jones Sousa da Silva, and Alexandre Beluco

  Abstract:Abstract: Population growth prints a strong pressure on the technological advances that increase the generation of various pollutants, mostly contaminants, which are capable of compromising the quality of life of aquatic ecosystems. Several organisms are reported to be effective to accumulate pollutants, showing a spatial and temporal variability, which requires integrated tools for its appraisal. In this context, the present article aims in summarizing studies about the use of biomarkers as relevant tools that provide accurate information about the health of ecosystems, as these are the most recommended because they reflect physical and chemical properties, biological or ecological condition, thereby allowing characterize the present state and predict significant changes.