THE ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTENT BY USING BIOACCUMULATION INDICES IN EUROPEAN CHUB, Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

The concentrations of nine metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn), individual total metal load (IMBI) values and metal pollution index (MPI) were determined in water, sediment and European chub, Squalius cephalus (Linnaeus, 1758) inhabiting Saricay Stream Turkey. A total of sixty European chub samples and twelve sediment and water samples were taken and analysed seasonally between June 2011 and May 2012. Heavy metals were analysed by ICP-AES. The distribution of the IMBI values ranged from 0.040 to 0.418. Distribution patterns of IMBI in seasons and stations of European chub follow the sequence: spring> winter> summer> autumn, Station III> I> II, respectively. Result of high IMBI values in all seasons and stations can be explained by the fact that increasing MPI value of Zn, Fe and Mn. Among the heavy metals studied Cd and Co were below the detection limits in most seasons. The heavy metal concentrations in the edible tissue of European chub were compared with the tolerable national and international values in fish. The results obtained, showed that the heavy metal concentrations in edible tissue were excessive and were not safe within the limits for human consumption.