Bioaccumulation of metals in tissues of Rutilus rutilus and Perca fluviatilis from lakes with poor ecological status – human health risk assessment

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the levels of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in the muscle, liver and gills of roach (Rutilus rutilus) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) from three polymictic and eutrophic lakes in poor ecological condition in north-western Poland. Metals in the waters of the lakes, as well as in the muscle, gills and livers of fish, were determined by atomic absorption. Oxygen deficits in summer and high concentrations of Cd and Pb were responsible for the low water quality of the lakes studied. Perch and roach showed a potential to accumulate metals from the water (bioconcentration factor >1). The lowest concentrations of Na, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were found in the fish muscle. The highest concentrations of Cd and Pb were recorded in the liver of both species. Differences in metal concentration between the species were mainly due to significantly higher levels of Fe, Cu and Zn in the muscle of the roach than in the perch (p < 0.05). A portion of 100 g/day of roach or perch muscle can be a complementary source of elements essential to the human diet, because Dietary Reference Intakes were below 2% for Fe, 5% for Na, Ca and Cu, and 10% for K, Mg and Zn. With regard to Pb and Cd levels, consuming the muscle of these fish from the studied lakes should not pose a health risk (Acceptable Daily Intake less than 1%).