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Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in liver, gill and muscle of Barbus grypus, which has a great economic value, in Batman Dam (Turkey). Heavy metal concentration levels in fish were investigated using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The metal concentrations in the liver and gill of Barbus grypus were found to be higher comparing to those in the muscle. Metal concentrations in the fish tissues vary significantly (P<0.05). Concentrations of the metals were different in the various organs, the highest concentrations of Mn (4. ) were found in liver and gill, while Cr (0.132 mg kg -1 ) was the only metal that is higher in muscle tissue. Heavy metal concentrations in the muscle of the fish should not exceed the acceptable levels proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization, World Health Organization and Turkish legislation for food sources for human consumption. Therefore, the metal levels in such environments, should be monitored periodically to avoid excessive intake of heavy metals consumed by public.