Removal and Accumulation of As, Cd and Cr by Typha latifolia

The removal from the solution and the accumulation of As, Cd and Cr by Typha latifolia was studied. Small plants of T. latifolia, collected from a non-contaminated site, were exposed to individual concentrations of As, Cd and Cr for 10 days. The ability of T. latifolia for the removal of toxic elements ranged from 23 % to 54 % for As, 43 %–55 % for Cd and 28 %–73 % for Cr. The accumulation of toxic elements in T. latifolia occurred mainly in the roots. The results suggest that T. latifolia can be considered as an interesting alternative for treating aquatic effluents polluted with toxic trace elements.     

Effects of Phenanthrene- and Metal-Contaminated Sediment on the Feeding Activity of the Harpacticoid Copepod, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Schizopera knabeni</Emphasis>

The effects of sediments contaminated with sublethal concentrations of phenanthrene (PAH) and metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) were evaluated in relation to their influence on the feeding activity of a harpacticoid copepod, Schizopera knabeni. A metal mixture (at the ratio of 5Pb:3Cd:2Hg) and Cd alone reduced grazing rates of S. knabeni feeding on ¹⁴C-labeled microalgae. Cadmium alone and Cd combined with phenanthrene significantly decreased grazing rates of S. knabeni at Cd concentrations above 49 mg kg⁻¹ dry sediment. No grazing was observed in 98, 106, or 157 mg kg⁻¹ dry sediment Cd alone or in sediment contaminated with phenanthrene (98 mg kg⁻¹ dry sediment) combined with Cd at these concentrations. Phenanthrene alone also caused a significant decrease (55%) in S. knabeni grazing rates. Feeding ceased above 344 mg kg⁻¹ dry sediment of the metal mixture alone and combined with phenanthrene. Results were consistent with an independent effect on feeding when Cd and phenanthrene were combined. When other metals were added (Pb and Hg) to the mixture, results were consistent with an additive influence on feeding rate. Because the underlying mechanisms of toxicity for metals and PAH are probably different, our observations suggest that reductions in grazing probably did not directly contribute to the lethal effects of phenanthrene or metals. The absence of interactive effects on feeding suggests that metal-PAH interactive effects on lethality have a different underlying mechanism and that reductions in grazing probably did not directly contribute to the lethality effects of phenanthrene or metals in S. knabeni.     

Changes in Growth, Biochemical Components, and Antioxidant Activity in Aquatic Plant Wolffia arrhiza (Lemnaceae) Exposed to Cadmium and Lead

The present study investigated the biochemical response of aquatic plant Wolffia arrhiza (Lemnaceae) treated with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) at a range of concentrations from 1 to 1000 μM. W. arrhiza has been identified as good scavenger of heavy metals from aqueous solution. Pb and Cd accumulation was found to be increased in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner. However, the highest biosorption of heavy metals was found in plants exposed to low levels (10 μM) of Cd and Pb in the nutrient medium. In observing the response to heavy-metal stress, we noted inhibited plant growth and decreased photosynthetic pigments, monosaccharides, and proteins. In addition, Cd was found to be more toxic to plants than Pb. Heavy metals also induced oxidative damage as evidenced by increased lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide levels. In contrast, the deleterious effects resulting from the cellular oxidative state can be alleviated by enzymatic (catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, nicotinamide dinucleotide [NADH] peroxidase) and nonenzymatic (ascorbate, glutathione) antioxidant mechanisms activated in W. arrhiza plants exposed to Cd and Pb, especially at 10 μM. These results suggest that W. arrhiza is a promising bioindicator of heavy-metal toxicity.     

Contamination of Metals in Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ctenopharyngodon idella</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perca fluviatilis</Emphasis>, from Anzali Wetland,Iran

The objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr) in muscle, gill, liver, kidney and intestine of two freshwater fish, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Perca fluviatilis, in Anzali Wetland, Iran. The concentrations were different between the fish species as well as among the tissues of fish. Results showed that the metal concentrations in both fish species were in descending order of Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd. Results also showed that the Cd, Cu, Zn, and Pb concentrations in the muscle of both fish from Anzali Wetland are below levels of concern for human consumption.     

Phytotoxicity of Atrazine,S-Metolachlor,and Permethrin to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha latifolia</Emphasis> (Linneaus) Germination and Seedling Growth

Phytotoxicity assessments were performed to compare responses of Typha latifolia (L.) seeds to atrazine (only) and atrazine + S-metolachlor exposure concentrations of 0.03, 0.3, 3, and 30 mg L⁻¹, as well as permethrin exposure concentrations of 0.008, 0.08, 0.8, and 8 mg L⁻¹. All atrazine + S-metolachlor exposures resulted in significantly reduced radicle development (p < 0.001). A stimulatory effect for coleoptile development was noted in the three highest atrazine (only) exposures (p = 0.0030, 0.0181, and 0.0016, respectively). This research provides data concerning the relative sensitivity of T. latifolia seeds to pesticides commonly encountered in agricultural settings, as well as critical understanding and development of using T. latifolia in phytoremediation efforts for pesticide exposures.     

Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mullus barbatus</Emphasis> from Sicily Channel and Risk-Based Consumption Limits

Our study is a preliminary step to evaluate water contamination of the Mediterranean Sea surrounding Lampedusa island and health risks for fish consumers. We analyzed muscle tissue of Mullus barbatus specimens to detect metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results show the following average concentrations of heavy metals: Pb 0.035, Cd 0.001, Hg 0.027, Cr 0.524, As 27.01, Cu 0.433, Co 0.013, Ni 0.042, Se 0.487, V 0.072, U 0.055 and Zn 3.360 ppm. PAHs ranged from 0.250 to 13.16 ppb. A possible risk to human health was determined based on consumption limits data and the content of total PAHs in fillets of this species.     

Concentrations of Selected Heavy Metals in Bones and Femoral Bone Structure of Bank (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myodes glareolus</Emphasis>) and Common (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Microtus arvalis</Emphasis>) Voles from Different Polluted Biotopes in Slovakia

Concentrations of selected heavy metals in the femora and femoral bone structure of bank (Myodes glareolus) and common (Microtus arvalis) voles from different polluted biotopes in Slovakia (Kolíňany and Nováky sites) were investigated. Length, weight, and histological structure of vole bones were also analyzed. We observed higher concentrations of lead (Pb), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) in the bones of both species from the Kolíňany site. Significant differences were observed in the concentration of Fe in bank and common voles (p < 0.05) and in the concentration of Zn (p < 0.05) in common voles. The animals from Nováky had higher concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) in their bones; however, the differences were not significant. The measured values for bone length and weight were higher in both species from Nováky (p < 0.05). We did not identify differences in qualitative histological characteristics of the femora between the voles (M. glareolus and M. arvalis separately) between the two biotopes. In addition, no statistically significant differences for any the measured variables of primary osteons’ vascular canals were observed. Correlation analysis in M. glareolus showed a strong positive relation between Cd and Ni (r = 0.52), Pb and bone weight (r = 0.53), Fe and bone weight (r = 0.52), and Fe and perimeter size of primary osteons’ vascular canals (r = 0.55). In common voles, a strong positive relation was found between Fe and Cu (r = 0.60) and between Fe and perimeter size of vascular canals of primary osteons (r = 0.55). Our results indicate that accumulation of some heavy metals is slightly increased in the femora of both species at Kolíňany.     

Comparison of the Ability of Organic Acids and EDTA to Enhance the Phytoextraction of Metals from a Multi-Metal Contaminated Soil

Chelates have been shown to enhance the phytoextraction of metal from contaminated soil. In this study, we evaluated the ability of chelates to enhance the phytoextraction of metals by barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) from soils contaminated with multiple metals. The results revealed that EDTA increased the ability of barnyard grass to take up Cd, Cu and Pb, but that it resulted in increased soil leaching. Conversely, citric acid induced the removal of Cd, Cu and Pb from soil without increasing the risk of leaching. Furthermore, E.crus-galli showed no signs of phytotoxicity in response to treatment with citric acid, whereas its shoot growth decreased in response to treatment with EDTA (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results demonstrate that citric acid is a good agent for the enhancement of the phytoextraction of metals.     

Concentrations of Heavy Metals in American Woodcock Harvested in Connecticut

The American woodcock is an important migratory species to both consumptive and nonconsumptive users throughout the species range. Woodcock populations have been declining steadily since surveys began in 1968. Laboratory and field studies have demonstrated several adverse effects associated with metals in other species, which has led to their inclusion as potential contributing factors to the woodcock population decline. We investigated the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se) in pectoral muscle (n = 100), livers (n = 108), and kidneys (n = 104) and Pb in wing bones (n = 53) from woodcock harvested in Connecticut. Cd concentrations were elevated in 99% of woodcock livers and kidneys; 30% of kidneys were above 100 μg/g dry weight, a Cd level of reported adverse tissue and reproductive effects in other species. Hg and Cr concentrations were below current biologically significant thresholds. Asc, Pb, and Se in soft tissues were associated with lead shot use in collection. Se in 24% of livers was above 10 μg/g dry weight, the reported threshold for avian health. Wing-bone Pb was elevated above 20 μg/g in 61% of adults and 23% of juveniles examined. Our findings indicate that woodcock are being exposed to potentially damaging levels of at least two metals with known effects in other species.     

Content of Lead and Cadmium in Barred Hogfish, Bodianusscrofa, Island Grouper, Mycteroperca fusca, and Portuguese Dogfish, Centroscymnus coelolepis, from Canary Islands, Spain

Concentration of lead and cadmium has been analyzed in Bodianus scrofa and Mycteroperca fusca captured in the Canary Islands coast. Concentration of Pb ranged from 2.53 to 306.40 and 4.97 to 792.00 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, while that of Cd ranged from 1.75 to 1854.50 and 6.78 to 656.00 μg kg⁻¹. The same metals have been analyzed in muscles, liver and skin of Centroscymnus coelolepis from Canary Islands, with contents of Pb and Cd ranged between 24.18–96.12 μg kg⁻¹ and 32.00–3266.58 μg kg⁻¹ respectively, and in the Azores Archipelago, with concentrations of Pb and Cd ranged as follow: 18.41–38.99 μg kg⁻¹ and 5.23–4179.87 μg kg⁻¹ respectively. Percentage of contribution of both metals to the PTWIs, has also been calculated for both fishes.     

Mercury and Cadmium Contamination of Irrigation Water,Sediment, Soil and Shallow Groundwater in a Wastewater-Irrigated Field in Tianjin,China

We investigated the concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb and As in samples of irrigation water, sediment, soil and groundwater from a field in Tianjin that was irrigated with wastewater. The results showed that the concentrations (Hg, 0.82 μg/L; Cd, 0.18 μg/L; Pb, 1.5 μg/L; As, 8.02 μg/L) in the irrigation water did not exceed the China Surface Water Quality Standard or the maximum concentrations in irrigation water recommended by the FAO. The concentrations of metals in the groundwater of wells (Hg, 0.016 μg/L; Cd, 0.128 μg/L; Pb, 0.25 μg/L; As, 4.65 μg/L) were lower than China Groundwater Quality Standard and the WHO guideline values for drinking water. The groundwater had not yet been contaminated through vertical infiltration-induced leaching. However, a substantial buildup of Hg and Cd in river sediments (I _geo for Hg and Cd; 5.24 and 3.04, respectively) and wastewater-irrigated soils (I _geo for Hg and Cd; 2.50 and 3.09, respectively) was observed. Taken together, these results indicated that irrigation with wastewater damaged the soil quality over the long term and that metals more easily accumulated in vegetable fields than rice fields.     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Cobalt, Lead,Nickel, and Zinc in Blood and Fillets of Northern Hog Sucker (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypentelium nigricans</Emphasis>) from Streams Contaminated by Lead–Zinc Mining: Implications for Monitoring

Lead (Pb) and other metals can accumulate in northern hog sucker (Hypentelium nigricans) and other suckers (Catostomidae), which are harvested in large numbers from Ozark streams by recreational fishers. Suckers are also important in the diets of piscivorous wildlife and fishes. Suckers from streams contaminated by historic Pb–zinc (Zn) mining in southeastern Missouri are presently identified in a consumption advisory because of Pb concentrations. We evaluated blood sampling as a potentially nonlethal alternative to fillet sampling for Pb and other metals in northern hog sucker. Scaled, skin-on, bone-in “fillet” and blood samples were obtained from northern hog suckers (n = 75) collected at nine sites representing a wide range of conditions relative to Pb–Zn mining in southeastern Missouri. All samples were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), Pb, nickel (Ni), and Zn. Fillets were also analyzed for calcium as an indicator of the amount of bone, skin, and mucus included in the samples. Pb, Cd, Co, and Ni concentrations were typically higher in blood than in fillets, but Zn concentrations were similar in both sample types. Concentrations of all metals except Zn were typically higher at sites located downstream from active and historic Pb–Zn mines and related facilities than at nonmining sites. Blood concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Co were highly correlated with corresponding fillet concentrations; log–log linear regressions between concentrations in the two sample types explained 94% of the variation for Pb, 73–83% of the variation for Co, and 61% of the variation for Cd. In contrast, relations for Ni and Zn explained <12% of the total variation. Fillet Pb and calcium concentrations were correlated (r = 0.83), but only in the 12 fish from the most contaminated site; concentrations were not significantly correlated across all sites. Conversely, fillet Cd and calcium were correlated across the range of sites (r = 0.78), and the inclusion of calcium in the fillet-to-blood relation explained an additional 12% of the total variation in fillet Cd. Collectively, the results indicate that blood sampling could provide reasonably accurate and precise estimates of fillet Pb, Co, and Cd concentrations that would be suitable for identifying contaminated sites and for monitoring, but some fillet sampling might be necessary at contaminated sites for establishing consumption advisories.     

Heavy Metal Levels in Suspended Sediments, Crassostrea gigas, and the Risk to Humans

Wild Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) and sediment, both resuspended and suspended (RSS) samples (<53 μm), were collected over an 8-month period from a coastal estuary in Baynes Sound, BC, Canada. Stable isotope analysis (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) was used to determine, first, if RSS sediments was an important dietary source to C. gigas and, second, if so, whether it served as a significant dietary exposure route for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Although RSS sediments were high in trace metals such as Cd, Pb, Zn, and notably Cu, stable isotope signatures for oyster tissues did not correspond to those of RSS sediments. These results indicate that RSS sediments are not a significant source of metal to the oysters. In addition, we compared the potential risk to humans ingesting C. gigas with levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn from this study to the current Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) chronic oral minimal risk levels (MRLs) using current Canadian consumption guidelines of three oysters/week. Cu, Pb, and Zn levels were below MRL levels, with Cd exceeding the recommended 0.2 μg/kg/day MRL level fourfold. Total daily intake levels (TDI) for Cd were additionally calculated and either reached or exceeded the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAP/WHO) reference dose of 1 μg/kg/day for Cd consumption in Canadians. Our results indicate that the current Canadian Cd consumption guidelines do not protect individuals consuming the maximum recommended levels of wild oysters.     

Seasonal variability in cadmium, lead, copper, zinc and iron concentrations in the three major fish species, Oreochromis niloticus, Lates niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea in Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria: impact of wash-off into the lake

Trace metals Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) were analyzed in edible portions of three main finfish species namely Lates niloticus, Oreochromis niloticus and Rastrineobola argentea sampled from various beaches of Winam Gulf, Lake Victoria, Kenya, in order to determine any seasonal and site variations and the results showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Zn and Fe during the wet season compared to the dry season for all the three species indicating the impact of wash-off into the lake during the rainy periods. The overall mean concentrations of the heavy metals (in μg/g dry weight) in all combined samples ranged from 0.17–0.40 (Cd), 0.47–2.53 (Pb), 2.13–8.74 (Cu), 28.9–409.3 (Zn) and 31.4–208.1 (Fe), respectively. It was found that consumption of Rastrineobola argentea can be a significant source of heavy metals especially Zn, to humans, compared with Lates niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus, if only the muscle parts of the latter two are consumed.     

Bioaccumulation of Metals in the Edible Catfish <Emphasis Type="Italic">Heteropneustes fossilis</Emphasis> (Bloch) Exposed to Coal Mine Effluent Generated at Northern Coalfield Limited,Singrauli, India

Metal accumulation in various tissues of Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to the effluent generated from an open cast coal mine was investigated. The contents of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr in the effluent were above the permissible limits as suggested by the different pollution control agencies. Out of the eight metals investigated, accumulation (mg kg⁻¹ dry weight of tissue) of Fe was maximum in every tissues followed by liver (265.88 ± 49.89) > kidney (153.0 ± 65.85) > gills (50.66 ± 23.923) > brain (49.303 ± 5.11) > air breathing organs (27.98 ± 10.93) > skin (19.56 ± 2.53) > muscles (8.74 ± 0.83). This was succeeded by Pb in brain (39.35 ± 5.79), Zn in kidneys (27.04 ± 2.31), Mn in the gills (20.69 ± 3.044), Cu (12.53 ± 1.01) > Cr (5.10 ± 2.87) in liver and Cd in kidneys (2.18 ± 0.084). Liver and ABOs showed significant uptake of all the metals. Except Cu and Cr, accumulation of most of the metals by kidneys and gills were also significant. Accumulation of Fe, Cd, Pb and Cr in most of the tissues of exposed fish were above the permissible limits indicating their potential hazardous impact on fish as well as on fish consumers. Even in the tissues of untreated fish the concentrations of Fe (12.26–428.47), Cd (0.2–1.22), Pb (0.02–9.42) and Cr (1.14–11.05) were above the permissible limits. This clearly demonstrates greater bioavailability of these metals in the area.     

Toxicity of Metals to the Bivalve Tellina deltoidalis and Relationships Between Metal Bioaccumulation and Metal Partitioning Between Seawater and Marine Sediments

The Australian benthic bivalve Tellina deltoidalis tolerates a wide range of sediment and water conditions, is easy to handle in the laboratory, and is a useful species for undertaking whole-sediment toxicity tests. The sensitivity of T. deltoidalis to metals was investigated in 10-day metal-spiked sediment exposures for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and in water-only exposures for Cu and Zn. The survival of T. deltoidalis in 10-day exposures to metal-spiked sediments was 88–100% for Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations of 75, 420, 1,000, and 4,000 mg/kg, respectively. The 4-day LC₅₀s for dissolved Cu and Zn were 0.18 and 13 mg/L, respectively. The 8-day LC₅₀ for Cu was 31 (24–34) μg/L. Cu and Zn concentrations in the tissues of T. deltoidalis increase linearly with increasing dissolved exposure concentration. In the Cu-spiked sediment and water exposures, the survival was negatively correlated with the Cu concentration in both the overlying water and in the tissues of T. deltoidalis. In contrast, particulate Cu concentrations were found to be a poor predictor of Cu bioaccumulation and toxicity for Cu-spiked sediments.     

Heavy Metal Accumulation in Lake Sediments, Fish (Oreochromis niloticus and Serranochromis thumbergi), and Crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) in Lake Itezhi-tezhi and Lake Kariba, Zambia

We measured the level of heavy metal accumulation in lake sediments, herbivorous (Oreochromis niloticus) and carnivorous (Serranochromis thumbergi) fish, and crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) from Lake Itezhi-tezhi (ITT) and Lake Kariba. We used atomic absorption spectrophotometry to quantify the levels of seven heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni). The sediment and the herbivorous fish O. niloticus accumulated a very high concentration of Cu in Lake ITT, most likely due to the discharge of Cu waste from a mining area 450 km upstream. The aquatic species we sampled in Lake Kariba had higher concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Pb relative to those in Lake ITT. This is most likely due to anthropogenic activities, such as the use of leaded petrol and antifouling agents in marine paints. Interestingly, we observed a negative correlation between the coefficient of condition (K) and Ni concentration in the crayfish hepatopancreas. Both O. niloticus and the crayfish had much higher biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) for Cu, Zn, and Cd relative to Cr, Co, Pb, and Ni. The rank of BSAF values for O. niloticus (Cu > Cd > Zn) and C. quadricarinatus (Zn > Cd > Cu) differed from the expected ranks based on the general order of affinity of metals (Cd >> Zn > Cu).     

Toxic Element Concentrations in the Bottlenose (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tursiops truncatus</Emphasis>), Striped (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Stenella coeruleoalba</Emphasis>) and Risso’s (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Grampus griseus</Emphasis>) Dolphins Stranded in Eastern Adriatic Sea

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) were measured in muscle, liver and kidney of three cetacean species, the bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus), striped (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Risso’s (Grampus griseus) dolphins from the Croatian waters of the Adriatic Sea. In all three dolphin species Cd levels decreased in tissues in the order: kidney > liver > muscle, while As and Pb decreased in the order: liver > kidney > muscle for striped and Risso’s dolphins, but with the order reversed for liver and kidney in the bottlenose dolphin for Pb. Levels of Hg consistently followed the order: liver > muscle > kidney, with mean concentrations in the liver being 11–34 times higher than in the other tissues. The highest mean concentrations of trace elements were measured in Risso’s dolphins at 14.9 μg/g wet weight, for Cd in the kidney, and concentrations in the liver of 2.41, 1,115 and 0.63 μg/g for As, Hg and Pb, respectively. Statistically significant differences between the three dolphin species were determined for Cd, Hg and Pb in liver tissues, for As in muscle and for Cd in kidney. Significant correlations of metals between tissues were determined in all three species. The results presented give an indication of the environmental condition with regard to the content of toxic metals along the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea.     

Cross-Border Response of Moss, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypnum cupressiforme</Emphasis> Hedw., to Atmospheric Deposition in Southern Bulgaria and Northeastern Greece

This study aimed at first cross-border mapping of 10 heavy metals and toxic elements accumulation in moss Hypnum cupressiforme reflecting wet and dry atmospheric deposition in Southern Bulgaria and Northeastern Greece. It is a part of the European moss survey 2005/2006 including first Greek results. Data obtained from 66 sites, covering 20,000 km², showed different deposition patterns particularly for As, Cd, Cr and Pb. The determined concentrations (ICP–AES), revealed no serious pollution by airborne heavy metals and toxic elements contaminants. Lead was the only element with proved statistical significant difference, between Bulgarian and Greek part of the study area.     

Temporal Variation of Metals in Water,Sediment and Tissues of the European Chup (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Squalius cephalus</Emphasis> L.)

The aim of this study was to analyze seasonal variation of levels of Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) in water, sediment and tissues of Squalius cephalus (L., 1758) taken from five different stations chosen at Yamula Dam Lake (Kayseri, Turkey). Concentrations of metals were generally sorted as water<tissue<sediment. The highest concentration of metals in water was observed in the samples taken in the summer (Mn, 1.04 ± 0.15 mg L⁻¹; Ni, 0.42 ± 0.12 mg L⁻¹; Cu, 1.25 ± 0.88 mg L⁻¹; Zn, 3.61 ± 1.53 mg L⁻¹; Pb, 0.58 ± 0.09 mg L⁻¹). While the highest Zn (24.85 ± 21.82 μg g⁻¹) and Pb (10.89 ± 4.2 μg g⁻¹) concentrations in sediment were observed in the winter samples, the highest Mn concentration (167.2 ± 99.37 μg g⁻¹) was observed in the summer. Cd pollution was determined in sediment according to international criteria. The highest metal concentration in tissues was generally observed in the liver and the other tissues; following liver were gills and muscles. In liver tissues, while the highest accumulation of Zn (110.34 ± 13.1) and Mn (22.5 ± 14.85 μg g⁻¹), which are essential for the body, were observed in the winter, Pb (22.58 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹) and Cd (11.77 ± 7.83 μg g⁻¹), which are toxic, were found to be higher in the summer. Also, concentrations of Mn, Cd and Pb in muscle tissues were found to be above the limits permitted.