Evaluation of metal pollution related to human health risk in freshwater snail Viviparus contectus (Millet, 1813) as a potential bioindicator species in Lake Habitat (Turkey)

Abstract

For the humankind, water quality of natural resources is the most important and freshwater molluscs are used as bioindicators for the evaluation of water quality in biomonitoring studies. Viviparus contectus (Viviparidae: Gastropoda) is a species freshwater snail and consumed by people. Herein, the concentrations of heavy metals heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Pb, As, Zn and Cu) were measured in water and Viviparus contectus samples. The water quality (temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were seasonally determined in water samples. The present study showed that the metal accumulation in the water and soft tissues of freshwater snail were in the order of Pb > Cr = Zn = Cu = Cd = As and Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > As = Cr, respectively. The elevated levels of heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Zn and Hg) were recorded in autumn. Seasonal variations affected signi cantly Pb concentration in the freshwater snail samples (P < 0.05). EDI (estimated daily intake) values were lower than the recommended tolerable daily intake (TDI) values for adults and the values of HI (hazard index) were lower than 1 for adults. Zn and Pb values in freshwater snail samples were above the limits according to the Turkish Food Codex, FAO/WHO, JECFA and EC limit values. The water analysis indicates mean concentrations of metals below the maximum permissible limits established by the World Health Organization, Turkish Pollution Control Regulation and USEPA, except Pb.Overall, anthropogenic activities adversely affected aquatic ecosystems and this study can be provided a useful data set for metallic contamination in aquatic bodies and biomonitoring studies in freshwater ecosystems.