Trace elements in two endemic fish species (Barbus strumicae, Karaman 1955 and Squalius оrpheus, Kottelat & Economidis, 2006) of Nestos River (NE Greece): Levels, organ bioaccumulation and potential health risk

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the content and bioaccumulation patterns of eight trace elements (Li, Cr, Co, As, Se, Cd, Pb and Hg) and one radioisotope (U) in kidney, liver and muscle tissues of two fish species (Squalius orpheus and Barbus strumicae) from Nestos River (northern Greece), and the potential human health risk due to the fish muscle consumption. Kidney and liver accumulate higher element concentrations, except Hg. The site closer to the river-mouth presents higher concentrations since it receives effluents from agricultural activities. The upstream station shows lower element concentrations, due to obstruction of the free transportation of sediments and suspended matter downstream the irrigation dam. The sediment inhabitant and feeder B. strumicae showed elevated concentrations compared to the water column resident S. orpheus. According to calculated hazard indices, the consumption of the fish edible tissue poses zero health risk in developing chronic undesired effects in humans.