Impact of fish species on levels of lead accumulation in the meat of common bream (Abramis brama L.), white bream (Blicca bjoerkna L.) and common bleak (Alburnus alburnus L.) from the Vistula River (Poland)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to compare the concentration of lead in the meat of common bream (Abramis brama L.), white bream (Blicca bjoerkna L.) and common bleak (Alburnus alburnus L.). The experimental fish were obtained in natural condition from Vistula River, located within Toru., near wastewater treatment plant. The study involved 60 individuals of freshwater fish caught in autumn. Analyses were carried out on 10 individuals of common bream, 20 white bream and 30 individuals of common bleak. The muscles samples for analyses were taken from the large side muscle of fish body above the lateral line. There were chosen for analyses individuals with similar biometric measurements. Due to a relatively low amounts of meat obtained from white bream and common bleak, the material from individuals of similar body length was combined (about 2-3 pieces). Pb concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer Solaar 939 QZ, ATI Unicam. Analyses of variance (test post hoc -Tukey test) indicated that the mean value of lead was the highest in the meat of common bream (0.086 ĘgEg-1 wet weight) and the lowest in the meat of white bream (0.075 ĘgEg-1 wet weight). There were no statistical significant differences in the lead content between the analyzed fish species (at p< 0.05). Analysis of correlation indicated a negative and statistical significant correlation between the fish body length and Pb concentration.