Two neotropical estuaries affected by different anthropogenic factors were studied. We report levels of
metals and metalloids in water and sediment as well as their influence on genetic, biochemical and
morphological biomarkers in the native fish Centropomus parallelus. Biomarkers reflected the fish health
status. Multivariate statistics indicated both spatial and temporal changes in both water and sediment,
which are linked to the elemental composition and health status of inhabitant fish, showing the biggest
influence of surface water, followed by sediments and interstitial water. Bioaccumulation in fish muscle
was useful to identify elements that were below detection limits in water, pointing out the risk of
consuming fish exceeding allowance limits for some elements (As and Hg in this case). Multivariate
statistics, including physical, chemical and biological issues, presents a suitable tool, integrating data
from different origin allocated in the same estuary, which could be useful for future studies on estuarine
systems.