Evaluation of Metal Pollution in Fish and Water Collected from Gorgan Coast of the Caspian Sea,Iran

In this study, concentrations of zinc, chromium, cadmium and lead were determined in water and three species of fish sampled from 10 selected stations along Gorgan coast using atomic absorption spectrophotometery, summer 2009. Mean lead levels in water and fish samples (119.50 ± 22.24 μg/L and 113.80 ± 33.11 μg/kg) were significantly higher than that of cadmium and chromium (p < 0.05). Cyprinus carpio had highest metals content than Mugila auratus and Rutilus frisikutum. The evaluated metals values in water collected from Gomishan wetland (Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn values are 145.31 ± 35.32, 120.46 ± 11.44, 96.47 ± 6.05 and 82.02 ± 34.37 μg/L, respectively) were higher than the other sampling sites. The result is consistent with the findings accessed by evaluation of the metals in fish specimens. The metals concentrations in the fish and water samples were below the recommended limits. But, elevating levels of metals in water and fish made a serious concern about ecosystem and food chain contamination.     

Metal Concentrations in Tissues of Two Fish Species From Qeshm Island, Iran

The purpose of this study was to determine the concentrations of metals, cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel in Liza vaigiensis and Johnius carutta, in order to: compare metal concentrations between two species with different gender, and to determine the significance between metal concentrations in the gill, liver and muscle. The highest mean concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel in different tissues of these two fish species were found in the liver of L. vaigiensis at 0.68, 0.83, 0.37 and 1.42 μg g⁻¹, respectively; while the lowest mean concentrations of cadmium, chromium, lead and nickel were observed in the muscle of J. carutta at 0.16, 0.16, 0.03 and 0.29 μg g⁻¹, respectively. The results showed that the metal concentrations in both species were higher in the females than in the males (except chromium in gill and cadmium in muscle of J. carutta). Also, the results indicated that the metal concentrations were different among fish tissues (one-way ANOVA, p < 0.001), but there was no difference (except lead in gills of J. carutta) between sex (male vs. female).     

Metals in Fish along the Southeast Coast of India

Metal concentrations (cadmium, chromium, iron, lead, copper, manganese, zinc and mercury) in the muscle of five fish species (Epinephelus chlorostigma, Lutjanus russelli, Terapon jarbua, Cynoglossus arel and Lagocephalus lunaris) from the six fish landing centres along southeast coast of India were measured. In Cuddalore and Mudasalodai, the level of toxic metals cadmium, chromium and manganese were well above the permissible limits. Concentrations of cadmium, chromium, manganese and mercury in C. arel were above the permissible limit and it is consistent with their habitat and diet. The results showed a relationship between metal concentrations and pollution status of the areas.     

Investigation of Zinc,Copper, Lead and Cadmium Accumulation in the Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sander lucioperca</Emphasis> (L., 1758) Living in Hirfanlı Dam Lake,Turkey

This study, some metals (zinc, copper, lead and cadmium) were analyzed in liver, muscle and gills of Sander lucioperca (Linnaeus, 1758) caught from the Hirfanlı Dam Lake in December 2007. The highest concentrations were found in liver (zinc:32.5 μg/g, lead:10.73 μg/g, copper:5.85 μg/g, cadmium:0.76 μg/g) of Sander lucioperca. It was seen that the accumulation of zinc, lead and cadmium primarily took place in liver followed by muscles and gills. It was observed that copper is mainly accumulated in liver followed by gill and mucsles.     

Heavy Metal Contaminants in Tissues of the Garfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Belone belone</Emphasis> L., 1761, and the Bluefish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pomatomus saltatrix</Emphasis> L., 1766, from Turkey Waters

Levels of contaminants in fish are of particular interest because of the potential risk to humans who consume them. Fish samples were collected through the coastal waters of Turkey and the contents of cadmium, cobalt, chrome, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, zinc and lead in the liver and muscle tissues were determined. Among the metals analyzed, copper, zinc and iron were the most abundant in the different tissues while cadmium and lead were the least abundant both in Belone belone and Pomatomus saltatrix. Metal concentrations in muscles of fish species were found 0.01–0.38 mg kg⁻¹ for cadmium, 0.01–0.53 mg kg⁻¹ for cobalt, 0.05–1.87 mg kg⁻¹ for chromium, 0.21–5.89 mg kg⁻¹ for copper, 9.99–43.3 mg kg⁻¹ for iron, 0.14–1.33 mg kg⁻¹ for manganese, 0.06–4.70 mg kg⁻¹ for nickel, 0.09–0.81 mg kg⁻¹ for lead, 3.85–15.9 mg kg⁻¹ for zinc, respectively. Regional changes in metal concentration were observed in the tissues of both species, but these variations may not influence consumption advisories.     

Assessment of Metals in Fish from Lake Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia

The concentrations of the metals cadmium, copper, mercury, lead, silver, selenium and zinc were measured in the muscle and gonad tissues of five species of fish, yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis), silverbiddy (Gerres subfasciatus) and trumpeter whiting (Sillago maculata), southern log finned goby (Favonigobious lateralis), and the halfbridled goby (Arenigobius frenatus) from the contaminated Lake Macquarie NSW and three relatively uncontaminated reference estuaries, Wallis Lake, Port Stephens, and St. Georges Basin NSW. Fish from Lake Macquarie were found to have elevated concentrations of selenium, lead, cadmium, and zinc in one or both of these tissues in these species. Increased concentrations relative to background concentrations were most often observed at Cockle Bay, the site with the highest concentrations of these metals in sediments. The degree to which fish accumulated metals appeared to be related to life history characteristics of the species, with sediment-dwelling fish showing the greatest propensity to accumulate metals.     

Leaching of Heavy Metals from Artificial Soils Composed of Sewage Sludge and Fly Ash

The purpose of this study was to determine the leaching characteristics of heavy metals from artificial soils composed of sewage sludge and fly ash. A leaching experiment was carried out over a period of 90 days. The leachates from artificial soils were collected every 15 days, and the concentrations of cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, and nickel in leachates were determined. Results showed that pH values of the artificial soils leachate were stable, ranging from 6.71 to 7.62 at the end of the experiment. Except of the cadmium, the concentrations of chromium, nickel, and copper in leachates of the artificial soils reached a stable level at the end of the experiment. The final concentrations of copper in leachates varied from 27.1 to 127.5 μg L⁻¹, which was lower than European threshold value for drinking water, (1,000 μg L⁻¹), while final nickel and chromium concentrations in leachates exceeded the European threshold ones. Amorpha fruticosa and Robina pseudoacacia grown in the artificial soils had different effects on cadmium, nickel, chromium, and copper leaching behavior. Amorpha fruticosa resulted in higher Ni and Cu concentrations in leachates, while Robina pseudoacacia enhanced leaching concentration of Cr.     

Selenium, Cadmium, Copper, and Zinc Concentrations in Sediments and Mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the Southern Basin of Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia

Selenium, cadmium, copper, and zinc concentrations were measured in sediments and the tissues of mullet (Mugil cephalus) collected from the southern basin of Lake Macquarie, NSW, Australia. Trace metals in surficial sediments are enriched in trace metals relative to background concentrations (selenium, 3–19; cadmium, 14–42; copper, 1.5–3.6; zinc, 0.77–2.2 times background). Selenium, cadmium, and copper in Lake Macquarie mullet tissues are elevated compared to those in mullet collected from the Clyde River estuary, a relatively pristine location. Selenium and copper concentrations are also elevated compared to those reported in mullet tissues from other nonpolluted coastal environments. Zinc concentrations in Lake Macquarie mullet muscle tissues are significantly higher than those in muscle tissues of mullet from the Clyde River estuary, but mullet from both locations have similar zinc concentrations in other tissues. These results show that contamination of sediment with trace metals has resulted in elevated trace metals in the benthic feeding fish M. cephalus. Little of the variation of trace metal concentrations between fish was explained by variation in mass. Selenium concentrations in mullet are of concern in muscle tissues as they are above recommended acceptable limits for safe human consumption, while concentrations in tissues are at levels that may effect fish growth, reproduction, and survival. Copper concentrations in mullet tissues are also at levels that may reduce fish growth. Received: 11 September 1999/Accepted: 9 July 2000     

Distributions of metals in the food web of fishponds of Kolleru Lake,India

The distributions of trace metals (Pb, Cd, Cr Mn, Zn and Cu) in water, sediment, plankton and four fish species (Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Pangasius pangasius and Cirrhinus mrigala) from fishponds of Kolleru Lake, India were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The concentrations of lead (0.01–0.03 mg/l) and copper (0.01–0.08 mg/l) in water and cadmium (3.0–9.0 mg/kg), chromium (47–211 mg/kg) and copper (10–64 mg/kg) in sediment were above the EPA threshold effects level (TEL) and are of biological concern. The abundance orders of metals were Mn>Cd>Cu>Pb in water, Mn>Cr>Zn>Cu >Pb>Cd in sediment and Cu>Mn>Cr>Zn>Pb>Cd in plankton. The concentrations of the metals in the muscles of these four fish species apparently decrease in the order Zn>Cu>Cr>Mn=Pb>Cd and were well below WHO permissible limits that were safe for human consumption.     

Heavy Metals in the Nase, Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758), and Its Intestinal Parasite Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas 1781) from Austrian Rivers: Bioindicative Aspects

Tissue samples from 121 adult specimens of the predominantly herbivorous fish species nase, Chondrostoma nasus (L. 1758), from five river sites in Austria were analyzed for their metal content. Sediments and water samples of the sites show different levels of metal load, with only one site considered being polluted with metals. The concentrations of cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in the tissue of the gills, muscle, intestine, and liver of the fish were determined by inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). As in one of the unpolluted and the polluted river site, a well-established population of the tapeworm Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) occurred in the intestine of the fish; pooled samples of this worm were analysed as well. Both the nase and C. laticeps show bioindicative ability for metal pollution in rivers. The results allow a more differentiated characterization of the rivers than the sediment analyses. Cadmium is found mainly in the liver, with maximum concentrations of 1.57 μg/g dry weight from unpolluted sites and 5.58 μg/g from the polluted site. The highest concentrations of copper are also found in the liver, with values between 25 and 333 μg/g. A significantly elevated concentration of Cu in the intestine from an “unpolluted” site (mean: 24.06 μg/g) indicates an acute pollution in this area at the time of sampling. Lead was found mainly in the intestine and liver in concentrations between 0.09 and 4.05 μg/g and 0.26 and 1.94 μg/g, respectively. In the samples from the polluted site, it also could be detected in the gills (mean: 1.38 μg/g). The parasite C. laticeps shows different capacities for metal accumulation: Although the concentrations of Cu were significantly lower compared to the values of the fish liver, cadmium was detected in concentrations up to 5.1 times higher. Lead and zinc concentrations were found to be up to 9.7 and 3.0 times higher in the tapeworm compared to the fish liver, respectively.     

Seasonal Accumulations of Some Heavy Metal in Water,Sediment and Tissues of Black-Chinned Tilapia <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarotherodon melanotheron</Emphasis> from Biétri Bay in Ebrié Lagoon,Ivory Coast

The seasonal accumulation of cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc was determined in sediments, water, and black-chinned tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron; muscle, brain, kidney and liver tissues) collected monthly from Biétri Bay. The mean water concentration of metals (in mg L⁻¹) ranged from 0.01 to 0.30 (mercury), 0.02–0.26 (cadmium), 2.40–4.80 (lead), 9.05–9.68 (copper), and 12.05–19.87 (zinc). The seasonal variations showed a significant difference in the levels of mercury, cadmium and lead among season. The highest mercury (0.30 ± 0.02 μg L⁻¹), cadmium (0.26 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹) and lead (4.80 ± 1.03 mg L⁻¹) levels were observed during dry season, while the lowest levels (0.21 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.01 and 2.40 ± 0.02 mg L⁻¹, respectively mercury, cadmium and lead) were measured during rainy season. The average cadmium (0.58 ± 0.36 mg L⁻¹), copper (42.15 ± 19.40 mg L⁻¹), lead (58.47 ± 38.10 mg kg⁻¹), mercury (0.79 ± 0.47 μg kg⁻¹) and zinc (187.58 ± 76.99 mg kg⁻¹) concentrations determined in Biétri Bay sediments showed a similar trend as in water. The seasonal variations of mercury, cadmium and lead in tissues revealed that these metals were higher concentrated during dry and swelling seasons. The levels of zinc and copper followed by lead were higher in the tissues. The order of tissues metals concentrations was: kidney > liver > brain > muscle.     

Contaminations of Metal in Tissues of Siberian Gull Larus heuglini: Gender, Age, and Tissue Differences

The objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of metals, namely cadmium, lead, and zinc, in Siberian gull (Larus heuglini) (n = 15), in order to: (1) examine the sex and gender related variation in trace metal accumulation, and (2) to determine the significant between metal concentrations in the kidney, liver, and pectoral muscle. The concentrations were different between the tissues of bird as well as among the interaction (sex × age), but this difference (except cadmium in liver and zinc in kidney) between the gender (male and female) and age (adult and juvenile) didn’t exist. Results showed that the metal concentrations in the Siberian gull were decreased in sequence of kidney > liver > muscle. The cadmium, lead, zinc concentration overall means they were measured as 2.2 ± 0.7, 8.8 ± 2.5, and 91.1 ± 37. 1 μg/g for kidney, 1.1 ± 0.2, 5.1 ± 0.8, and 68.3 ± 27.8 μg/g for liver, and 0.8 ± 0.1, 3.4 ± 0.6, and 34.4 ± 23.2 μg/g for pectoral muscle, respectively.     

Metal Concentrations in the Groundwater in Birjand Flood Plain, Iran

The objective of the present study was to investigate the concentration of metals (cadmium, lead, chromium, zinc, copper, and iron) were measured in groundwater at 30 sites from the Birjand flood plain of eastern Iran during the November 2010; identify any relationships between metals and pH, total hardness. Metal concentrations in the groundwater samples were decreased in sequence of Zn > Fe > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd, respectively. The results showed that the overall mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Cr were at 0.000, 0.023, and 0.049 mg l⁻¹, respectively. The mean concentration of Cu, Zn, and Fe were 0.109, 0.192, and 0.174 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Results also indicated that there were correlations among Cd, Cu, and Zn metals.     

Determination of Metal Levels in Thirteen Fish Species from Lakshadweep Sea

A bio-monitoring study was performed to investigate the concentration of certain metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc) in gill, skin and muscle of thirteen demersal fish species of Agatti Coast of Lakshadweep Sea. All the metal concentrations in gill are higher than skin and muscle. Concentrations of toxic metals such as Cd (0.61 ± 0.67 μg g⁻¹ in Gerres longirostris), Mn (0.83 ± 1.21 μg g⁻¹ in Lutjanus fulvus) and Ni (0.56 ± 0.83 μg g⁻¹ in L. bengalensis) were well above the permissible limits suggested by World Health Organization and Food and Agricultural Organizations.     

Distribution of Heavy Metal Residues in Fish from the River Nile Tributaries in Egypt

The distribution patterns of some metals (zinc, iron, copper, cadmium and lead) in fish samples collected from El Menofiya Governorate, Egypt were studied. The samples were collected from El Menofiya, canal water supplies (El Sarsawia, El Bagoria and Bahr Shebin), in addition to El Embaby, El Menofi and Miet Rabiha drainage canals each 2 month during periods of 16 month, June 2007–Septemper 2008. In the present investigation, the high concentrations of metals were found in fish samples collected from the drainage canal. The highest mean concentration of lead (1.864 μg/g), copper (1.495 μg/g) and cadmium (1.840 μg/g) were found in fish samples collected from El-Embaby drain. While the highest mean concentration of iron (108.26 μg/g) and zinc (24.35 μg/g) were present in fish samples collected from Miet-Rabiha drain. Lead and cadmium were found in higher concentration than those recommended by FAO for fish.     

Changes in Selenium, Copper, Cadmium, and Zinc Concentrations in Mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the Southern Basin of Lake Macquarie, Australia, in Response to Alteration of Coal-Fired Power Station Fly Ash Handling Procedures

Selenium, copper, cadmium, and zinc concentrations were measured in mullet (Mugil cephalus) from the southern basin of Lake Macquarie, Australia, in 1997 to determine if improved ash-handling practices at an adjacent coal fired power station, implemented in 1995, had significantly lowered trace metal concentrations in mullet tissues. Mean muscle tissue concentrations of selenium (5.9 ± 0.7 μg/g dry mass), copper (3.6 ± 0.1 μg/g dry mass), and zinc (14 ± 1 μg/g dry mass) are lower than previously reported for mullet analyzed in 1993 (10 ± 2, 21 ± 3, 27 ± 3 μg/g dry mass, respectively). Cadmium concentrations in liver tissues increased from 2.3 ± 0.3 to 6 ± 2 μg/g dry mass. Significant intra-tissue correlations between metal concentrations were found for all tissues except muscle. Strong correlations of selenium, copper, and zinc concentrations were found in liver tissues, indicating a common primary source may exist for these metals, such as fly ash. All trace metals were found to have significant inter-tissue correlations, with strong correlations occurring for selenium between all tissues and for cadmium between all tissues except muscle. Regulation of copper, cadmium, and zinc appears to be occurring in muscle tissue. Selenium concentrations in mullet are still above levels considered to be of concern to human consumers. Trace metal concentrations are below that known to effect the health of fish. Mullet are directly exposed to trace metal concentrations as a result of feeding and the ingestion of contaminated sediment and detritus. Lower metal concentrations found in mullet tissues are attributed to the burial of highly contaminated sediment with material containing lower trace metal concentrations. Little of the variations in trace metal concentrations between mullet was explained by mass, gender, or age. Received: 20 August 2000/Accepted: 22 February 2001     

Environmental Geochemistry of Abandoned Flotation Tailing Reservior from the Tonglvshan Fe-Cu Sulfide Mine in Daye,Central China

This study investigated metals of tailings from Tonglvshan mine in Daye and assessed the effect of metal contamination in water and sediment near the tailing reservoir. The concentration of copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium and nickel was measured in deposit samples taken from a profile in an abandoned flotation tailing reservoir, as well as in water and sediment samples near the reservoir. The results of this study indicate that copper concentration ranges from 780 to 4390 mg/kg, 2–10 times higher than the limit values in soil, while the contents of other metals are below the limit values. Metal levels in water and sediments are high and varied widely in different sampling sites. The mean concentrations of copper, lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium and nickel in waters are 27.76, 2.28, 8.20, 0.12, 5.30 and 3.04 mg/L, while those in sediments are 557.65, 96.95, 285.20, 0.92, 94.30 and 4.75 mg/kg, respectively. All of the results indicate that the environment near the tailing reservoir is polluted to some extent by some kinds of metals, especially by copper, lead, zinc and cadmium, which may be caused not only by some discharge sources of metals, but also by life garbage and sewage.     

Cadmium, copper, lead and zinc in cultured oysters under two contrasting climatic conditions in coastal lagoons from SE Gulf of California, Mexico

In order to determine the metal concentrations in cultured oysters from four coastal lagoons from SE Gulf of California, several individuals of Crassostrea gigas and C. corteziensis were collected and their cadmium, copper, lead and zinc levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry after acid digestion. The concentration of metals in oyster soft tissue was Zn > Cu > Cd > Pb. In two lagoons, Cd concentrations (10.1–13.5 μg g⁻¹ dw) exceeded the maximum level allowed according to the Official Mexican Standard (NOM-031-SSA1-1993), which is equivalent to the WHO recommended Cd levels in organisms used for human consumption.     

Concentration, Distribution, and Comparison of Selected Trace Elements in Bed Sediment and Fish Tissue in the South Platte River Basin, USA, 1992–1993

During August–November 1992 and August 1993, bed sediment and fish liver were sampled in the South Platte River Basin and analyzed for 45 elements in bed sediment and 19 elements in fish liver. The results for aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, selenium, silver, uranium, and zinc are presented here. All 12 trace elements were detected in bed sediment, but not all were detected in fish liver or in all species of fish. A background concentration of trace elements in bed sediment was calculated using the cumulative frequency curves of trace element concentrations at all sites. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, silver, uranium, and zinc concentrations were greater than background concentrations at sites in mining areas or at sites that have natural sources of these elements. Trace element concentrations in fish liver generally did not follow the same patterns as concentrations in bed sediment, although concentrations of aluminum and cadmium were higher in fish liver collected at mountain sites that had been disturbed by mining. Concentrations of aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, silver, and zinc increased in bed sediments in urban areas. Iron, silver, and zinc concentrations in fish liver also increased in urban areas. Concentrations of cadmium, copper, silver, and zinc in fish liver increased in the agricultural areas of the basin. Downstream changes in trace element concentrations may be the result of geological changes in addition to changes in land use along the river. Received: 5 April 1996/Revised: 27 July 1996     

Determination of Trace Elements Level of Pikeperch Collected from the Caspian Sea

Toxic and essential elements levels (chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, cadmium, and zinc) have been determined in the brain, heart, liver, gill, gonads, spleen, bile and muscle of S. lucioperca, collected from the Caspian Sea by employing Flame- Atomic absorption spectrometry. Results indicated that nearly all of the toxic metals concentrations (nickel, lead and cadmium) in tissues were higher than limits for fish suggested by Food and Agricultural Organization, World Health Organization and European Union. Lead was higher in spleen than other tissues. Levels of essential metals (iron, copper, zinc and manganese) were below the limits suggested by European Union and Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization and Turkish Food Codex for fish. Iron distribution pattern in tissues was in the following order: heart (88.67 ± 2.74 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > spleen (70.96 ± 2.05 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > bile (29.35 ± 0.94 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > brain (14.29 ± 0.51 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > liver (8.57 ± 0.29 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > gill (3.20 ± 0.14 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > red (2.79 ± 0.11 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) and white muscles (2.79 ± 0.09 μg g⁻¹ wet wt) > gonads (2.57 ± 0.07 μg g⁻¹ wet wt).