Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Water and Organs of Stone moroko (Pseudoraspora parva) in Freshwater in Turkey

Anthropogenic activities have been causing pollution in the environment and aquaculture activities via the contamination of heavy metals from industrial developments. As a result, this environmental pollution may cause health problems in humans. In this study, water (n = 3) and fish (n = 10–15) samples were evaluated from Topçam Barrage to assess the heavy metal concentrations in the water and tissue samples of fish, Pseudoraspora parva (muscle, liver, kidney, spleen, gonads, and gills). All samples were measured using the ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer) in conjunction with a standard solution (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb). The bioaccumulation factor (BCF), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated for human health due to fish consumption. A significant degree of heavy metals was found, which followed the order of Zn > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd > Cr for fish tissues. Heavy metal amounts were found to be mostly higher for Cu and Pb. It was reported that their amounts were around the limit values established by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation) and WHO (World Health Organisation). Further studies are needed on the precautions how to more increase the water quality level.