Spatial and temporal variations in selected heavy metals in water and sediment from the Mhlathuze Estuary, Richards Bay

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The sublethal effects of copper and lead on the haematology and acid-base balance of the groovy mullet, Liza dumerili

Toxicity bioassays were conducted on groovy mullet, Liza dumerili, using copper and lead, in order to assess how these metals affected their blood haematology and acid-base balance. Short-term (96 hours) exposure to lead caused significantly more haematological response [PCO2] than copper, when compared to the control. When copper and lead were applied in combination there were significant increases in bicarbonate content and red blood cell count of the fish. Long-term (28 days) exposure to copper and lead resulted in significant increases in blood glucose, haemoglobin content and the acid-base status of the fish. The results of this study highlight the stress to which estuarine fish are exposed through the uncontrolled discharge of heavy metals and the inherent dangers posed by combinations of metals in the aquatic environment. They will also help emphasise the need to control pollution in order to protect aquatic biodiversity. Keywords: toxicity; estuarine fish; heavy metals; copper; lead; haematology; acid-base balance (Afr J Aqua Sci: 2002 27(1): 39-46

Heavy metals in tissues of scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) caught from Black Sea (Turkey) and potential risks to human health

WOS: 000387599100075PubMed ID: 27484202Scorpionfish (Scorpaena porcus) is a demersal fish species commercially important for its of which meat is tough and delicious. The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal (Al, Cu, Ni, As, Cd, Hg, Pb, U) concentrations in this fish species which is traditionally consumed in the Black Sea Area and, to compare the concentrations of various toxic elements in different organs of the fish specimens (muscle, liver, gill, and skin). Within this scope, the mineralization was performed using microwave digestion system. Thirty-two scorpionfish caught from Sinop Inland Port during 2010 were analyzed. The heavy metal concentrations were determined with the method of inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Verification of the method was demonstrated by analysis of standard reference material (NRCC-TORT-2 lobster hepatopancreas). After evaluation of the results, it was determined that the highest heavy metal accumulation was generally found in the liver. The maximum aluminum level and the minimum uranium level were found in the analyzed tissues. In terms of heavy metals, Al, Cu, Cd, and Hg showed a statistically significant difference between tissues (p < 0.05). It was determined that heavy metal concentrations obtained from the muscle tissues did not exceed the national and international recommended limits; and also it was found that daily intake amounts did not exceed tolerable daily intake amounts. Furthermore, in THQ based risk evaluation, the value 1 which is crucial for children and adults was not surpassed. In terms of public health, it was found out that there was not any risk in consumption of scorpionfish in the study area