Evaluation of trace metals in sediment, water, and fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coast of Turkey

Abstract

In this study, concentrations of trace metals such as As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb, Ni, Sn, Se, and Zn were determined in sediments, water, and a kind of fish (Mugil cephalus) of the central Black Sea coasts by employing Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry and microwave digestion technique. Gill, muscle, liver, and other tissues were analyzed separately for each sample. The accuracy of the results were checked by using a certified reference material (DORM-4). In water samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Cu (1645.44 mu g/L). In sediment samples, the metal determined at highest concentrations was Fe (12223.50mg/kg). The levels of trace metals found in the different parts of the fish were: Zn in muscle tissue (30393.28mg/kg), Sn in gill tissue (5140.08mg/kg), and Cu in liver tissue (289.31mg/kg). These results were also compared with various relevant guidelines and literature.