Abstract
Concentrations of five heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) in edible tissues of four fish species (Cyprinus carpio, Platichthys flesus, Liza aurata, Mugil cephalus) collected from Natural Reserve Area called Sarikum Lake were determined by ICP-MS (Agilent 7700x). The order of heavy metal concentration was observed as: Zn> Cu > Hg > Pb > Cd. The heavy metal levels were species specific and significantly different. The highest concentrations of Hg, Cd and Zn were found in flathead grey mullet, European flounder and common carp, respectively. The higher concentrations of Pb and Cu are present in golden grey mullet. The concentrations of Cd are in range of 0.019-0.027 µg g-1 in common carp, 0.028–0.040 µg g-1 in European flounder, 0.020-0.034 µg g-1 in golden grey mullet and 0.16-0.27 µg g-1 in flathead grey mullet tissues. Concentration of Cd in M. cephalus was limit value and precautions need to be taken in order to prevent future heavy metal contamination, but other metals were lower than those in certified values. Keywords: Cyprinus carpio, Platichthys flesus, Liza aurata, Mugil cephalus, Sarikum Lake
Highlights
Heavy metals discharged into the aquatic environment can damage both biodiversity and ecosystem, owing to their hazards and accumulative tendency in the biota
The values of metal levels in examined fish samples from the Sarikum Lake were below the limit of detection of the Commission Regulation and Turkish Food Codex (EC, 2006; TFC, 2009) except Cd in M. cephalus
When the levels of Cd were compared with other international regulations (Georgian Food Safety Rules, 2001; GAIN Report Russian Federation, 2006) for limit values in the muscles of fish, it can be seen that the Cd levels in flathead grey mullet tissues is not threats for human health
Summary
Heavy metals discharged into the aquatic environment can damage both biodiversity and ecosystem, owing to their hazards and accumulative tendency in the biota. Even though protective measures have been taken to minimize the input of pollutants into sea, rivers, lakes and estuaries, accumulation in the aquatic ecosystems have been faced still today. Anthropogenic activities can create a potential source of heavy metal pollution in the aquatic ecosystems. Sarikum Lake is a natural aquatic ecosystem. In 1987, Sarikum area has been officially registered as “Natural Reserve Area” by the abrogated Ministry of Forestry. In 1991, Sarikum Lake and its environment were registered as “Nature Protection Area”
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
