DETECTION OF HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THREE FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES IN LAKE MARMARA (WESTERN ANATOLIA) AND HEAVY METAL HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT

Abstract

Heavy metals are hazardous contaminants, with regards to public health, that can accumulate in aquatic biota. Heavy metal concentrations (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg and Pb) in the muscular tissues of three freshwater fishes [Danube bleak (Alburnus chalcoides), Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio)], collected from Lake Marmara, and effects of these heavy metals on public health were studied. The levels of heavy metal in fish muscular tissues were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy after wet decomposition by microwave. According to the results obtained, the highest value was detected in Prussian carp while the lowest one was detected in Danube bleak, in terms of total heavy metal concentrations in muscular tissues. All three fishes were ascertained not to exceed the tolerable daily intake quantities of determined estimated daily intake rate (EDI) values. Besides, the values of Target Hazard Quotient and total Target Hazard Quotients were determined not to exceed the critical value "1". Considering the concentrations of heavy metals studied, the results suggested that a fish consumption-based risk for public health can be excluded.