Abstract
This study introduces a spatiotemporal evaluation of the metallic contamination with three trace metals (mercury, lead, and cadmium) in the muscles of three fish species (Lepomis macrochirus, Barbus callensis, and Barbus nasus), of which the samples were taken from three stations in the Moulouya River: the confluence of the Moulouya River and the Sebra River (station 1), the neighbourhood of the farms in the region of Aklim downstream from confluence of Lakhmis river (station 2), and the level of ancient bridge of Ras El Ma-Moulouya (station 3), during the period from July 2017 to May 2018. The results have allowed us to highlight rather high contents of lead and mercury in the fish muscles, mainly in station 1, which receives domestic and industrial discharges. The contents of cadmium in all fish species in different stations are very low. Moreover, all concentrations assessed in different fish species do not exceed the maximum limit recommended by European Community (EC) Commission Regulation No. 1881/2006.
Highlights
Introduction e MoulouyaRiver, which extends over a 520 km length, is considered to be the blue artery of the eastern region of Morocco
The results of cadmium concentration in the analyzed fish species are low. ey vary from 0.001 mg/kg of wet weight in Barbus callensis and Lepomis macrochirus of station 2 to 0.006 mg/kg of wet weight in Barbus callensis captured in station 1 (Table 4)
Similar results were found in the muscles of Barbus meridionalis of the Ripoll River in Catalonia [15], of Luciobarbus graellsii, Rutilus rutilus, and Lepomis gibbosus in station 1 from the Llobregat River to Spain [16], and in Lepomis gibbosus from the Salek Lakes in Slovenia [17]
Summary
River, which extends over a 520 km length, is considered to be the blue artery of the eastern region of Morocco. It has a major socioeconomic importance; it is used for irrigation. E abundance of fishery resources is more in the lower part, with an important activity of fishing along the river. Is contamination will be able to impact negatively on biodiversity of fauna and flora of this river, which leads to intoxication and mortality of fauna, as in the case of July 15th, 2011, when thousands of fish were found dead and floating at the level of lower Moulouya [6]. Among the wide range of trace metals contaminating the aquatic ecosystem, a major concern has been focused on cadmium, lead, and mercury
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