Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu in roach, Rutilus rutilis (L.) from the lower reaches of the Oder River, and their correlation with concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediments collected in the same area

Abstract

The aim of this research was to investigate the type of relationships between the concentrations of heavy metals in bottom sediments and in selected roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), organs. The material studied included kidney, liver, gill, and muscle tissues of roach caught in selected areas of the Oder River. The contents of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu were analyzed in fish organs. The content of heavy metals in roach organs differed depending on the organ or, in some cases, on the feeding site. The concentration of heavy metals in bottom sediments also depended on the site of their collection. Positive mutual correlations between concentrations of selected metals in fish and bottom sediments were found. The contamination of bottom sediments in the lower reaches of the Oder River with Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu was diverse and depended on the sampling area. The accumulation of metals in the organs of the studied fish varied and was positively correlated with the concentration of metals in sediments.

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:

Izabela Bochenek, Uniwersytet Szczeciński, Wydział Nauk Przyrodniczych, Zakład Fizjologii, ul. Sokoła 1/3, 71-691 Szczecin, Tel. +48 91 4494699; e-mail: zuniai@wp.pl