The Accumulation of Some Heavy Metals in Northern Pike (Esox lucius L., 1758) Inhabiting Sıdıklı Küçükboğaz Dam Lake (KIRŞEHİR)

Pike (Esox lucius) samples were obtained from the designated locations of Sıdıklı Küçükboğaz Dam Lake between March 2012 and February 2013. Some heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr and Al) in the muscle, liver, skin, intestine and gills of this fish were measured by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) device and it was observed that heavy metals accumulated at different levels in different tissues of pike. Heavy metal concentration in different fish tissues varied as dry weight Cu: 0.1123-0.3764, Fe: 4.3135-9.505, Mn: 0.5442-0.1684, Zn: 3.3065-2.475, Cr: 0.1889-2.517, Al: 2.17-1.045 µg g-1. When the heavy metal levels in the tissues were compared with the national and international permissible limits, it was seen that the values of all metals in the muscles of the fish were below the determined limit values according to the analysis results. Seasonal changes in metal (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr and Al) concentrations were observed in pike tissues, but it was concluded that these differences would not negatively affect the consumption recommendations based on the levels permitted by FAO/WHO (2020). According to the analysis, it was concluded that the fish collected from this region can be safely consumed by humans and the lake water can be used for irrigation purposes in agriculture.