SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF HEAVY METALS IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND TISSUES OF TWO FRESHWATER FISH SPECIES (CYPRINION MACROSTOMUM AND CAPOETA TRUTTA) FROM THE BATMAN DAM (TIGRIS BASIN), TURKEY

In this study, seasonal variations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb levels in water, sediment and organs (liver, gill and muscle) of Cyprinion macrostomum and Capoeta trutta taken from Batman Dam were investigated. Generally, Fe had the highest concentrations in water, sediment and tissues of the fish among the metals that were studied. The heavy metal concentration in water was higher in the summer. Co, Ni, Cu and Zn values were below the detection limit in all seasons. In sediment, the metal concentrations were in order as follows: Fe > Mn > Ni > Cr > Zn > Cu > Co in. All metal concentrations in the sediments were higher than those in water and fish. Heavy metal accumulation in the sediment was higher in autumn and winter. The highest metal levels were found in the liver and the gill of Cyprinion macrostomum and Capoeta trutta, whereas, lower in the muscle tissue. The average heavy metal concentration in the muscle of Cyprinion macrostomum was higher in the spring and summer, however; was higher in autumn and winter for Capoeta trutta. The metal levels in muscle tissues of the fish were lower than the acceptable values in fish tissues.