Monitoring chemical contamination levels in Karasu River based on the use of Enochrus spp. (Hydrophilidae) and Chondrostoma regium (Cyprinidae)

Abstract

Introduction. Existing literature indicate that elements are present in varying concentration in all ecosystems but anthropogenic activities increase the level of this pollutants. Aim of the study. To find out concentration of some heavy elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Sr, Pb) as heavy element pollution in Erzurum (Turkey), accumulation level of Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera) and Chondrostoma regium species and to assess the health status of Erzurum wetlands. Material and methods. Water, sediment, fish and insect samples were collected in Karasu River (Erzurum, Turkey). Heavy elements levels in insects and abiotic samples were analyzed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. Fish tissues, from the same habitat were measured by ICP-MS. Results. The elements concentrations were found to increase from fish tissues to insects (fish tissues< sediment < water <insects). It can be said that insects accumulate more heavy elements than fish tissues thus insects can be one of the source of contamination of the fish. All results were well below the limits for fish proposed by national and international standards and did not pose a health concern for fish consumers. Conclusions. Based on the analyses of fish samples, heavy element concentrations in fish from studied areas of Erzurum are low. Although levels of heavy element are not high, residue of Pb, Cd and Hg in food may cause health problem for future. Keywords: Aquatic insects, fish, EDXRF, ICP-MS, health hazard.