Microelements, Fatty Acid Profile, and Selected Biomarkers in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Muscle Tissue: Seasonal Variations and Health Risk Assessment.

The study assesses associations between microelement levels, fatty acid composition, and oxidative stress markers in grass carp muscle in the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, various factors were considered, including the estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), total THQ (TTHQ), and metal pollution index (MPI), to evaluate potential health risks for consumers. The microelements (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and total mercury was determined using cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Fatty acid profiling was realized using gas chromatography (GC) detection with a flame ionization detector (FID). The overall tendency of microelement levels was as follows: Fe > Zn > Al > Sr > Ba > Ni > Se > Cr> Cu > Mn > Pb > As > Li > Hg;

Seasonal assessment of selected trace elements in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) blood and their effects on the biochemistry and oxidative stress markers.

Environmental pollution by anthropogenic activity is still a highly relevant global problem. Aquatic animals are a specifically endangered group of organisms due to their continuous direct contact with the contaminated environment. Concentrations of selected trace elements in the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) (n = 36) blood serum/clot were monitored. Possible effects of the elements on selected biochemical and oxidative markers were evaluated. The concentrations of trace elements (Al, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, and Zn) were analysed in the fish blood serum and blood clot by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). A general scheme of decreasing concentrations of trace elements in the blood serum samples was: Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Sr ˃ Ba ˃ Ni ˃ Al ˃ Cu ˃ Be ˃ Co; < LOQ (below limit of quantification): Bi, Cd, Cr, Ga, Mn, Mo, Pb, Tl; and in the case of the blood clot, the scheme was as follows: Fe ˃ Zn ˃ Sr ˃ Al ˃ Ni ˃ Ba ˃ Cu ˃ Be ˃ Co ˃ Mn; < LOQ (below limit of quantification): Bi, Cd, Cr, Ga, Mo, Pb, Tl. Significant differences among the seasons were detected. The Spearman R correlation coefficients and linear or non-linear regression were used to evaluate direct relationships between trace elements and selected blood biomarkers. The correlation analysis between biochemical parameters (Na, K, P, Mg, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, TAG, TP, urea, glucose) and trace elements (Al, Ba, Be, Cu, Fe, Ni, Sr, and Zn) concentrations confirmed statistically significant interactions in both seasons (summer and autumn). The regression analysis between oxidative stress markers (ROS, GPx, creatinine, uric acid, and bilirubin) and elements (Al, Ba, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Sr) content confirmed statistically significant interactions. The results point to numerous connections between the observed elements and the physiological parameters of freshwater fish.

Trace Metals in the Freshwater Fish Cyprinus carpio: Effect to Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Status Markers.

Interactions between trace metals, serum biochemical parameters, and oxidative status markers were observed. Freshwater fish Cyprinuscarpio blood samples (n = 38) were collected at the beginning of May (n = 19) and at the end of July (n = 19) of 2015. The concentrations of metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, and Zn) were analyzed in blood serum samples of fishes by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and Hg was determined by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). The general scheme of descending concentrations of metals in blood serum samples was as follows: Zn > Fe > Cu > Sr > Cr > Ni > Mn > Pb > Se > As > Cd > Hg. Zn was the most accumulated element (4.42-119.64 mg/L) in both seasons. Overall, the trace element content was higher in spring season, except Hg, Ni, Se, and Sr. The seasonal effect was confirmed for Mn, Zn, Mg, Glu, AST, and Chol levels and for most oxidative status markers. The gender effect was confirmed for Sr, GPx, PC, Chol, and CK concentrations. Trace metals (especially Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Sr, Zn, As) significantly affected some blood serum chemistry parameters. The correlation analysis between oxidative status markers (ROS, TAC, MDA, SOD, GSH, UA, BHB, and Alb) and trace metal (Cd, Cu, Ni, Sr, Hg, Pb, Fe, Mn) content confirmed statistically significant interactions in both seasons. Obtained results indicate specific actions of trace metals.

Levels of selected contaminants in fish muscle from upper Nitra River.

OBJECTIVES: This study determines the levels of selected contaminants in the muscle of three common fish species from the upper course of the Nitra River. DESIGN: Were detected levels of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd and Hg in the muscle and correlations among selected metals as well as standard length and total weight in brown trout (Salmo trutta morpha fario), Alpine bullhead (Cottus poecilopus) and grayling (Thymallus thymallus). RESULTS: The content of analysed metals (mg.kg-1 wet weight) ranged as follows: brown trout - Zn 5.86-12.97, Cu 0.51-0.76, Ni 0.00-0.37, Cr 0.18-0.41, Pb 0.00-0.34, Cd 0.03-0.13, Hg 0.04-0.07; Alpine bullhead - Zn 7.02-13.68, Cu 0.34-0.62, Ni 0.00-1.13, Cr 0.19-0.24, Pb 0.00-0.37, Cd 0.03-0.09, Hg 0.06-0.18; grayling - Zn 3.38-6.36, Cu - 0.46-0.62, Ni 0.04-0.22, Cr 0.13-0.22, Pb 0.00-0.25, Cd 0.02-0.09, Hg 0.05-0.12, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Slovak permissible limits for safe consumption, defined in the Commission Regulations No. 1881/2006 and 629/2008, in the case of Pb, Cd and Hg were exceeded in 10%, 63% and 0%, respectively.

Trace elements content in semen and their interactions with sperm quality and RedOx status in freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio: A correlation study.

Objective of the present study was to investigate interactions between trace elements content and RedOx status, as well as sperm quality parameters (motility features, DNA fragmentation) in fish spermatozoa in natural conditions. Reproductively mature male freshwater fish (n = 16) of Cyprinus carpio breed were used in the study. Trace elements content was determined in fish milt samples by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy (CV-AAS). Sperm quality evaluation was realized by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) quantifying several parameters: concentration, total motility, progressive motility, distance average path, distance curved line, distance straight line, velocity average path, velocity curved line, velocity straight line, straightness, linearity, amplitude of lateral head displacement and beat cross frequency. The general scheme of descending concentrations of trace metals in semen samples was following: Zn > Fe > Cu > As > Sr > Ni > Mn > Se > Pb > Cr > Cd > Hg. Total motility of spermatozoa was relatively high (91.45%), however progressive motility was not even half of this value (39.47%). Sperm DNA fragmentation values were relatively low (4.00-6.29%). The percentage of immotile spermatozoa showed a significant correlation with all RedOx status parameters and also with DNA fragmentation. Positive statistically significant correlations were observed between trace elements (Mn, Se, Sr, and Zn) and some qualitative spermatozoa parameters (velocity and distance parameters). Cu and Hg content shows similar negative associations with progressive motility. Hg also interacted with production of malondialdehyde. Overall, the present study suggests application of multi-component mixtures of environmentally related trace elements concentrations when assessing the potential reproductive risk.

Accumulation of selected metals pollution in aquatic ecosystems in the Smeda river (Czech republic).

OBJECTIVES: Biomonitoring of some slelected heavy metals in the Smeda river (Czech Republic) was carried out during 2015-2016 to assess the extent of environmental pollution. Attempts were also made to map the intensity of bioaccumulation in brown trout which was used as an indicator species. Monitoring of the environmental pollution of the Smeda river was carried in 2016. DESIGN: Concentrations of some heavy metals i.e. Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Cobalt (Co) were quantified in the fish muscles. Correlations (Pearsons, 2-tailed) among selected metals with some morphometric parameters (standard length and total weight) in brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) were also examined. RESULTS: Results showed a significant positive correlation between concentrations of Hg, Pb (group-I) and Pb, Cd (group-II) with the muscles and age of fishes (p<0.05). The groups of heavy metals i.e. group-I (Hg and Pb) and group-II (Pb and Cd) were purposively synthesized for better inference of the data since Pb formed significant (p<0.05) but distinct positive correlations with Hg and Cd. The contents of the analyzed metals in brown trout muscles were low Hg 0.06-0.5; Pb 0.01-0.3; Cd 0.01-0.04 and Co 0.01-0.03 mg.kg-1 wet weight basis and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption except in the case of Hg which is little vulnerable to reach critical limit. CONCLUSIONS: The contents of the analyzed metals in Brown trout muscles were lower at monitoring sites and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic. Potential ecological risk analysis of toxic metals concentrations in sediments suggested only two sites (2 and 3) with elevated values that posed a midlle environmental risks. Strict periodical monitoring of Hg levels in the selected stretches of the River Smeda is recommended.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in brown trout (Salmo trutta m. fario) from the military training area Boletice (Czech republic).

OBJECTIVES: This study to assess the environmental pollution status in streams (Loutecky, Spicak, Olsina, Trebovicky, Polecnicky and Luzny) from the Boletice area. DESIGN: Were determined of some metal (Hg, Pb, Cd) concentrations in the muscle and correlations among selected metals as well as standard length and total weight in brown trouth - Salmo trutta morpha fario. RESULTS: The contents of the analyzed metals in muscles were Hg 0.19-0.72, Pb 0.01-0.6 and Cd 0.020-0.083 mg/kg wet weight basis and these concentrations did not exceed the limits admissible in the Czech Republic. CONCLUSIONS: The Czech republic permissible limit for Hg (0.5 mg/kg to omnivors, 1 mg/kg to predators), Pb (0.3 mg/kg) and Cd (0.05 mg/kg) defined in the Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption exceeded in 6%, 3%, and 0% of analyzed samples for Hg, Pb and Cd respectively. On an average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Hg>Pb>Cd.

Concentration of heavy and toxic metals in fish and sediments from the Morava river basin, Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVES: The monitoring survey to assess the environmental pollution status of the river Morava--was carried out in 2014. DESIGN: This study presents the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd) in the water, sediment and muscle tissue of fish from the middle and lower reaches of the Morava river basin (Becva, Drevnice, Haná, Kyjovka and Morava rivers), in the Czech Republic. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used for the analysis of toxic metals. European chub (Squalius cephalus) was chosen as a reference fish species for the comparison of monitored localities. RESULTS: Results showed a positive significant correlation between concentration of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn in muscles and age of fishes (p<0.05). The contents of the analyzed metals in European chub muscles were low Hg 0.049-0.402, Pb 0.005-0.035, Cd 0.006-0.026, Cr 0.016-0.042 and Zn 5.59-64.31 mg.kg(-1) wet weight basis and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic. CONCLUSIONS: The contents of the analyzed metals in European chub muscles were low at monitoring sites and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic.

Assessment of selected heavy metals pollution in water, sediments and fish in the basin Dyje, Czech Republic.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents the concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Hg, Zn and Pb) in the water, sediment, and muscle of two fish species from the middle and lower reaches of the Dyje river basin (Dyje, Jihlava, Svratka, Svitava and Trkmanka rivers), in the Czech Rebublic. METHODS: Samples of water, sediment (Tab. 1.) and fish muscle were obtained during the seasons of 2012-2013. As the reference species were chosen chub (Squalius cephalus) and roach (Rutilus rutilus) due to their occurrence in all of the evaluated fishing grounds. RESULTS: The potential ecological risk analysis of heavy metal concentrations in the sediments indicated that nine sites in the middle and lower reaches posed moderate or considerable ecological risk. The health risk analysis of individual heavy metals in fish muscle indicated safe levels for the general population, but there was a possible risk in terms of the total target hazard quotients. The contents of the analysed metals in fish muscles were low at seven sites and did not exceed the values of limits admissible in the Czech Republic. CONCLUSIONS: The increased values of heavy metals in the fish muscle from the Svratka and Svitava rivers may be mainly derived from metal processing, electroplating industries, industrial wastewater and domestic sewage.

Content of selected metals in muscle of cyprinid fish species from the Nitra River, Slovakia.

OBJECTIVES: This study presents a rate of bioaccumulation of some metal concentrations in the muscle of five common cyprinid fish species (gudgeon - Gobio gobio, Europen chub - Leuciscus cephalus, barbel - Barbus barbus, roach - Rutilus rutilus, and nase - Chondrostoma nasus). DESIGN: Besides, correlations among selected metals as well as standard length and total weight and order of metal accumulation in the fish muscle were determined. RESULTS: Recorded metal concentrations (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 4.23-22.95, Mn 0.10-0.72, Zn 16.26-166.90, Cu 15.39-25.97, Ni 0.00-3.72, Pb 0.00-1.81, and Cd 0.00-0.11. CONCLUSIONS: The Slovak permissible limit for Cu (10.0 mg/kg), Ni (0.5 mg/kg), Pb (0.2 mg/kg) and Cd (0.05 mg/kg) defined in the Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption exceeded in 100%, 12%, 6% and 10% of analyzed samples for Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd respectively. On an average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Zn>Cu>Fe>Mn>Ni>Pb>Cd.

Accumulation of some metals in muscles of five fish species from lower Nitra river.

This paper reports the results of accumulated selected metals concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, Hg and meHg) in the muscle of five common Slovak fish species (Chub-Leuciscus cephalus, Common carp-Cyprinus carpio, Prussian carp-Carassius gibelio, Roach-Rutilus rutilus, and Wels catfish-Silurus glanis). Furthermore, correlations among the selected metals and order of metal accumulation in the fish muscle were determined. The concentrations of metals (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 3.70-21.10; Mn 0.27-1.50; Zn 3.72-42.82; Cu 0.26-1.82; Ni 0.02-0.29; Co 0.06-0.28; Cr 0.09-0.28; Pb 0.08-34.59; Cd 0.06-2.76, Hg 0.34-3.64 and meHg 0.08-1.20. The level of lead and mercury exceeded the maximum allowed concentration in Slovakia by the Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption (0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg, respectively) in the majority of samples (94.6 and 82.1%, respectively). Content of Cd (0.88 +/- 0.76 mg/kg wet weight) in the fish muscle exceeded maximum allowed levels (0.05 mg/kg) in all samples. An average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Fe > Zn > Pb > Cd > Hg > Cu > Mn > meHg > Ni > Cr > Co.

Heavy metals content and microbiological quality of carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) muscle from two Southwestern Slovak fish farms.

The purpose of this study was to assess concentration and correlation of selected heavy metals and level of some microbiological indicators (total bacteria count-TBC, mesophilic anaerobic sporulating bacteria-MASB) in the muscle of common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Fish were collected by seine net within the frame of pondfishing, in October (pond Horné Obdokovce--pond A) and December (pond Budmerice--pond B) 2003. Concentrations of selected metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer Pye Unicam SP9. The concentrations of metals (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 3.47-15.15; Mn 0.14-0.42; Zn 3.47-9.52; Cu 0.24-1.32; Co 0.05-0.17; Ni 0.07-0.42; Cr 0.08-0.19; Pb 0.11-0.30; and Cd 0.01-0.05. The count of MASB and TCB (in CFU/g) varied as follow: 1.12-7.76 x 10(3) and 0.03-7.59 x 10(6), respectively. Significant differences (P < 0.05) for Cu, Ni, and Cr bioaccumulation, as well as for count of MASB between ponds were recorded. An opposite trend of bioaccumulation was found in only 12 of 36 cases. Positive correlations between counts of MASB and accumulated heavy metals, except Ni and negative correlations between TBC and accumulated heavy metals, except Cr, were recorded, (P < 0.05) for TBC-Mn and TBC-Cd relationship. Lead concentrations exceeded the maximum values allowed concentration in Slovakia by Codex Alimentarius (0.2 mg/kg) by 60% for pond-A and 40% for pond-B. The level of MASB count exceeded the maximum allowed concentration in 100% by both ponds. On average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: (Pond-A) Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Ni > Co > Cd; (Pond-B) Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd.

Concentration of selected metals in muscle of various fish species.

The purpose of this study was to assess concentration of selected metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, Cd, and Hg) in the muscle of four common Slovak fish species (chub--Leuciscus cephalus, barbel--Barbus barbus, roach--Rutilus rutilus, and perch--Perca fluviatilis). Furthermore, correlations among the selected metals and order of metal accumulation in the fish muscle were determined. An electrofishing technique was used for collecting the fish from the Nitra River (Slovakia) in September 2003. Concentrations of selected metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer Pye Unicam SP9. The concentrations of metals (mg/kg wet weight basis) ranged as follows: Fe 3.41-15.14; Mn 0.20-0.81; Zn 3.51-15.64; Cu 0.25-0.78; Ni 0.07-0.25; Co 0.05-0.19; Cr 0.11-0.42; Pb 0.20-5.81; Cd 0.06-0.56, and Hg 1.35-6.52. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) between Fe-Cu, Fe-Ni, Fe-Cr, Mn-Ni, Mn-Cr, Mn-Cr, Cu-Ni, and Ni-Cr were observed. The level of lead exceeded the maximum allowable concentration in Slovakia by Codex Alimentarius for safe human consumption (0.2 mg/kg) in the majority of samples (97.2%). Content of Cd (0.23 +/- 0.13 mg/kg wet weight) and Hg (2.85 +/- 1.22 mg/kg wet weight) in the fish muscle exceeded maximum allowed levels in all samples. On average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Fe > Zn > Hg > Pb > Cu > Mn > Cd > Cr > Ni > Co.