Skip to main content

Concentration of four heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic) in organs of two cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio and Capoeta sp.) from the Kor River (Iran)

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 168, pages 575–585 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

Concentration of heavy metals in aquatic animals mainly occurs due to industrial contamination. In this study, the concentrations of four heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic) in organs of two cyprinid fish and in water collected from three sections of the Kor River, Iran were determined using the inductively coupled plasma method. Pathological and hormonal changes due to metal contamination were also measured. The concentrations of heavy metals in tissue of fish from the middle sampling zone were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those from the other two sampling zones, whereas no significant differences (p > 0.05) were detected between the two sexes and species. High levels of metals were found in the ovaries and testes; estradiol in females and progesterone and testosterone in males from the middle study site were significantly (p < 0.05) lower than values from the other two sites. Pathological changes in blood cells, liver, and kidneys of fishes were significantly higher in highly polluted areas (middle sampling zone). These results show that industrial activities have polluted the river and that the maximum concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Hg were higher than the permissible levels for human consumption.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  • Akberali, H. B., Earnshaw, M. J., & Marriott, K. R. M. (1985). The action of heavy metals on the gametes of marine mussel, Mytilus edulis 2. Uptake of copper and zinc and their effect on respiration in the sperm and unfertilized egg. Marine Environmental Research, 16(1), 37–60.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Andreji, J., Stranai, I., Kacaniova, M., Massanyi, P., & Valent, M. (2006). Heavy metals content and microbiological quality of carp (Cyprinus carpio, L.) muscle from two Southwestern Slovak fish farms. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part A, Toxic/Hazardous Substances & Environmental Engineering, 41(6), 1071–1088.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barregard, L., Svalander, C., Schutz, A., Westberg, G., Sallsten, G., Blohme, I., et al. (1999). Cadmium, mercury, and lead in kidney cortex of the general Swedish population: A study of biopsies from living kidney donors. Environmental Health Perspectives, 107(11), 867–871.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Biggeri, A., Lagazio, C., Catelan, D., Pirastu, R., Casson, F., & Terracini, B. (2006). Report on health status of residents in areas with industrial, mining or military sites in Sardinia, Italy. Epidemiologia E Prevenzione, 30(1 Suppl 1), 5–95.

    Google Scholar 

  • Buchet, J. P., Roels, H., Bernard, A., & Lauwerys, R. (1980). Assessment of renal function of workers exposed to inorganic lead, calcium or mercury vapor. Journal of Occupational Medicine, 22(11), 741–750.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Catalan, L. J., Merliere, E., & Chezick, C. (2002). Study of the physical and chemical mechanisms influencing the long-term environmental stability of natrojarosite waste treated by stabilization/solidification. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 94(1), 63–88.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cech, I., Smolensky, M. H., Afshar, M., Broyles, G., Barczyk, M., Burau, K., et al. (2006). Lead and copper in drinking water fountains—Information for physicians. Southern Medical Journal, 99(2), 137–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chetty, C. S., Vemuri, M. C., Campbell, K., & Suresh, C. (2005). Lead-induced cell death of human neuroblastoma cells involves GSH deprivation. Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, 10(3), 413–423.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Damek-Poprawa, M., & Sawicka-Kapusta, K. (2003). Damage to the liver, kidney, and testis with reference to burden of heavy metals in yellow-necked mice from areas around steelworks and zinc smelters in Poland. Toxicology, 186(1–2), 1–10.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • de Burbure, C., Buchet, J. P., Leroyer, A., Nisse, C., Haguenoer, J. M., Mutti, A., et al. (2006). Renal and neurologic effects of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic in children: Evidence of early effects and multiple interactions at environmental exposure levels. Environmental Health Perspectives, 114(4), 584–590.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • de Conto Cinier, C., Petit-Ramel, M., Faure, R., & Garin, D. (1997). Cadmium bioaccumulation in carp (Cyprinus carpio) tissues during long-term high exposure: Analysis by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 38(2), 137–143.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delistraty, D., & Stone, A. (2007). Dioxins, metals, and fish toxicity in ash residue from space heaters burning used motor oil. Chemosphere, 68(5), 907–914.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Devlin, E. W. (2006). Acute toxicity, uptake and histopathology of aqueous methyl mercury to fathead minnow embryos. Ecotoxicology, 15(1), 97–110.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Diaz, S., Martin-Gonzalez, A., & Carlos Gutierrez, J. (2006). Evaluation of heavy metal acute toxicity and bioaccumulation in soil ciliated protozoa. Environment International, 32(6), 711–717.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dorea, J. G. (2006). Fish meal in animal feed and human exposure to persistent bioaccumulative and toxic substances. Journal of Food Protection, 69(11), 2777–2785.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Drevnick, P. E., & Sandheinrich, M. B. (2003). Effects of dietary methylmercury on reproductive endocrinology of fathead minnows. Environmental science & technology, 37(19), 4390–4396.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dua, A., & Gupta, N. (2005). Mercury toxicology as assessed through fish scales. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 74(6), 1105–1110.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dural, M., Goksu, M. Z., Ozak, A. A., & Derici, B. (2006). Bioaccumulation of some heavy metals in different tissues of Dicentrarchus labrax L, 1758, Sparus aurata L, 1758 and Mugil cephalus L, 1758 from the Camlik lagoon of the eastern coast of Mediterranean (Turkey). Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 118(1–3), 65–74.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ebrahimi, M. (2004a). Effects of in vivo and in vitro zinc and cadmium treatment on sperm steroidogenesis of the African catfish (Clarias gairepnius). IJVR, 6(2), 12–25.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebrahimi, M. (2004b). Setting up an ELISA method for steroid hormones. Iranian Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 5, 30–55.

    Google Scholar 

  • Enrique, M. O., Morales, V., Ngoumgna, E., Prescilla, R., Tan, E., Hernandez, E., et al. (2002). Prevalence of fetal exposure to environmental toxins as determined by meconium analysis. Neurotoxicology, 23(3), 329–339.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ettler, V., Johan, Z., Baronnet, A., Jankovsky, F., Gilles, C., Mihaljevic, M., et al. (2005). Mineralogy of air-pollution-control residues from a secondary lead smelter: Environmental implications. Environmental Science & Technology, 39(23), 9309–9316.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Garcia Morales, P., Saceda, M., Kenney, N., Kim, N., Salomon, D. S., Gottardis, M. M., et al. (1994). Effect of cadmium on estrogen receptor levels and estrogen-induced responses in human breast cancer cells. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 269(24), 16896–16901.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Goswami, K., Gachhui, R., & Bandopadhyay, A. (2005). Hepatorenal dysfunctions in lead pollution. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science, 47(1), 75–80.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Graeme, K. A., & Pollack, C. V. Jr. (1998). Heavy metal toxicity, part I: Arsenic and mercury. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 16(1), 45–56.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Has-Schon, E., Bogut, I., Kralik, G., Bogut, S., Horvatic, J., & Cacic, I. (2007). Heavy metal concentration in fish tissues inhabiting waters of “Busko Blato” reservoir (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Environmental Monitoring & Assessment, 54(1), 75–83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hinck, J. E., Blazer, V. S., Denslow, N. D., Myers, M. S., Gross, T. S., & Tillitt, D. E. (2007). Biomarkers of contaminant exposure in Northern Pike (Esox lucius) from the Yukon River Basin, Alaska. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 52(4), 549–562.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jeffree, R. A., Warnau, M., Oberhansli, F., & Teyssie, J. L. (2006a). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and radionuclides from seawater by encased embryos of the spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 52(10), 1278–1286.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jeffree, R. A., Warnau, M., Teyssie, J. L., & Markich, S. J. (2006b). Comparison of the bioaccumulation from seawater and depuration of heavy metals and radionuclides in the spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Chondrichthys) and the turbot Psetta maxima (Actinopterygii: Teleostei). Science of the Total Environment, 368(2–3), 839–852.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson, V. G., Peterson, R. E., & Olsen, K. B. (2005). Heavy metal transport and behavior in the lower Columbia River, U.S.A. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 110(1–3), 271–289.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D. E. (1995). The effects of pollution on reproduction in fish. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries, 5(1), 52–96.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D. E., Ebrahimi, M., Nysten, K., Roelants, I., Moore, H. D. M., & Ollevier, F. (1996). Use of computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA) for monitoring the effects of pollution on sperm quality of fish; application to effects of heavy metals. Aquatic Toxicology, 36(1), 223–237.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kime, D. E., Van Look, K. J., McAllister, B. G., Huyskens, G., Rurangwa, E., & Ollevier, F. (2001). Computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) as a tool for monitoring sperm quality in fish. Biology of Reproduction, 130(4), 425–433.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, J., Zhou, B., Shao, J., Yang, Q., Liu, Y., & Cai, W. (2007). Influence of the presence of heavy metals and surface-active compounds on the sorption of bisphenol A to sediment. Chemosphere, 68(7), 1298–1303.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Z. P. (2003). Lead poisoning combined with cadmium in sheep and horses in the vicinity of non-ferrous metal smelters. Science of the Total Environment, 309(1–3), 117–126.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin-Diaz, M. L., Blasco, J., Gonzalez de Canales, M., Sales, D., & DelValls, T. A. (2005). Bioaccumulation and toxicity of dissolved heavy metals from the Guadalquivir Estuary after the Aznalcollar mining spill using Ruditapes philippinarum. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 48(2), 233–241.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin-Diaz, M. L., Tuberty, S. R., McKenney, C. L. Jr., Blasco, J., Sarasquete, C., & Delvalls, T. A. (2006). The use of bioaccumulation, biomarkers and histopathology diseases in Procambarus clarkii to establish bioavailability of Cd and Zn after a mining spill. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 116(1–3), 169–84.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mukherjee, S., Mukherjee, S., Bhattacharyya, P., & Duttagupta, A. K. (2004). Heavy metal levels and esterase variations between metal-exposed and unexposed duckweed Lemna minor: Field and laboratory studies. Environment International, 30(6), 811–814.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Munoz, O., Bastias, J. M., Araya, M., Morales, A., Orellana, C., Rebolledo, R., & Velez, D. (2005). Estimation of the dietary intake of cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic by the population of Santiago (Chile) using a total diet study. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 43(11), 1647–1655.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Patra, R. C., Swarup, D., Sharma, M. C., & Naresh, R. (2006). Trace mineral profile in blood and hair from cattle environmentally exposed to lead and cadmium around different industrial units. Journal of Veterinary Medicine. A, Physiology, Pathology, Clinical Medicine, 53(10), 511–517.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Peris, M., Mico, C., Recatala, L., Sanchez, R., & Sanchez, J. (2007). Heavy metal contents in horticultural crops of a representative area of the European Mediterranean region. Science of the Total Environment, 378(1–2), 42–48.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Raldua, D., Diez, S., Bayona, J. M., & Barcelo, D. (2007). Mercury levels and liver pathology in feral fish living in the vicinity of a mercury cell chlor-alkali factory. Chemosphere, 66(7), 1217–1225.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rurangwa, E., Roelants, I., Huyskens, G., Ebrahimi, M., Kime, D. E., & Ollevier, F. (1998). The minimum acceptable spermatozoa to egg ratio for artificial insemination and the effects of heavy metal pollutants on sperm motility and fertilization ability in the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell 1822). Journal of Fish Biology, 53, 402–413.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Saxena, D. K., Murthy, R. C., Singh, C., & Chandra, S. V. (1989). Zinc protects testicular injury induced by concurrent exposure to cadmium and lead in rats. Research Communications in Chemical Pathology and Pharmacology, 64(2), 317–330.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Siitonen, P. H., & Thompson, H. C. Jr. (1994). Analysis of calcium and lead in calcium supplements by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Journal of AOAC International, 77(5), 1299–1304.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silbergeld, E. K., Silva, I. A., & Nyland, J. F. (2005). Mercury and autoimmunity: Implications for occupational and environmental health. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 207(2 Suppl), 282–292.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, H. (1989). Interaction of xenobiotics with reproductive endocrine functions in a protogynous teleost, Monopterus albus. Marine Environment Research, 28, 285–289.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, R. K., Chavan, S. L., & Sapkale, P. H. (2006). Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments and body tissues of red worm (Tubifex spp.) collected from natural habitats in Mumbai, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 129(1–3), 471–481.

    Google Scholar 

  • Song, Y., Xu, H., Ren, L., Gong, P., & Zhou, Q. (2002). Eco-toxicological effects of heavy metals on the inhibition of seed germination and root elongation of Chinese cabbages in soils. Huan Jing Ke Xue, 23(1), 103–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sprocati, A. R., Alisi, C., Segre, L., Tasso, F., Galletti, M., & Cremisini, C. (2006). Investigating heavy metal resistance, bioaccumulation and metabolic profile of a metallophile microbial consortium native to an abandoned mine. Science of the Total Environment, 366(2–3), 649–658.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, Y., Xie, Z., Li, J., Xu, J., Chen, Z., & Naidu, R. (2006). Assessment of toxicity of heavy metal contaminated soils by the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure. Environmental Geochemistry and Health, 28(1–2), 73–78.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, P. (1990). Teleost model for studying the effects of chemical on female reproductive endocrine function. Journal of Experimental Zoology, 4(Suppl), 126–128.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, G. M., Sturgeon, J. F., Alison, R., Jewett, M., Goldberg, S., Sugar, L., et al. (1989). A study of post-orchiectomy surveillance in stage I testicular seminoma. Journal of Urology, 142(2 Pt. 1), 313–316.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, P., & Trant, J. M. (1989). Evidence that 17α,20β,21-trihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one is a maturation inducing steroid in spotted sea trout. Fish Physiology and Biochemistry, 7, 185–191.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tipping, E., Lawlor, A. J., Lofts, S., & Shotbolt, L. (2006). Simulating the long-term chemistry of an upland U.K. catchment: Heavy metals. Environmental Pollution, 141(1), 139–150.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tsangaris, C., Papathanasiou, E., & Cotou, E. (2007). Assessment of the impact of heavy metal pollution from a ferro-nickel smelting plant using biomarkers. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 66(2), 232–243.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Verger, P., Houdart, S., Marette, S., Roosen, J., & Blanchemanche, S. (2007). Impact of a risk–benefit advisory on fish consumption and dietary exposure to methylmercury in France. Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, 48(3), 259–269.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Webb, M. A., Feist, G. W., Fitzpatrick, M. S., Foster, E. P., Schreck, C. B., Plumlee, M., et al. (2006). Mercury concentrations in gonad, liver, and muscle of white sturgeon Acipenser transmontanus in the lower Columbia River. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 50(3), 443–451.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yayintas, O. T., Yilmaz, S., Turkoglu, M., & Dilgin, Y. (2007). Determination of heavy metal pollution with environmental physicochemical parameters in waste water of Kocabas Stream (Biga, Canakkale, Turkey) by ICP-AES. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 127(1–3), 389–397.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, H., He, P. J., Shao, L. M., Feng, J. H., & Cao, Q. K. (2006). Leaching behavior of Pb and Zn in air pollution control residues and their modeling prediction. Journal of Environmental Science (China), 18(3), 583–586.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y. M., Huang, D. J., Wang, Y. Q., Liu, J. H., Yu, R. L., & Long, J. (2005). Heavy metal accumulation and tissue damage in goldfish Carassius auratus. Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 75(6), 1191–1199.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Green Research Center, University of Qom, Alghadir Boulevard, Qom, Iran

    Mansour Ebrahimi

  2. Department of Physiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran

    Mahnaz Taherianfard

Authors
  1. Mansour Ebrahimi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Mahnaz Taherianfard
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mansour Ebrahimi.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Ebrahimi, M., Taherianfard, M. Concentration of four heavy metals (cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic) in organs of two cyprinid fish (Cyprinus carpio and Capoeta sp.) from the Kor River (Iran). Environ Monit Assess 168, 575–585 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1135-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-009-1135-y

Keywords

  • Heavy metals
  • Kor River
  • Pollution
  • Cyprinus carpio
  • Copoeta sp.
  • Concentration
  • Fish
  • Fars Province