Determination of Heavy Metal Levels in Water, Sediment and Capoeta umbla Tissues of Karasu River (Erzincan)

In this study, it was aimed to determine the accumulation levels of some metals (Aluminum (Al), Arsenic (As), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Ferrois (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn)) in the muscle, liver and gill tissues of the Capoeta umbla fishes caught in the water, sediment and riverbed of Karasu River. For this purpose, water temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen values were measured. As a result of water analysis, the maximum amount of As was measured, but Al, Fe, Pb and Zn metals could not be detected in water. However, the relationship between the metals detected in water and the measured temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen values in water were compared. As a result of the sediment analysis, the highest accumulation was measured in Fe metal, whereas Al, Cu and Mn metals were not detected. In fish tissues, accumulation of all metals was detected. It has been determined that metals generally accumulate more in the liver tissue than other tissues. While the maximum accumulation in all tissues was measured in Fe metal, the lowest accumulation in all tissues was seen in Pb metal. In addition, the relationship between the metal levels detected in fish and the weight and length of fish was investigated. The quantities of metals identified in water, sediment and fish tissues have been compared with acceptable values determined by national and international agencies and assessed whether they are detrimental to the health of humans or aquatic organisms.