Metal Accumulations in Water, Sediment, Crab (Callinectes sapidus) and Two Fish Species (Mugil cephalus and Anguilla anguilla) from the Köyceğiz Lagoon System-Turkey: An Index Analysis Approach.

The concentrations of six metals (Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr and Zn) individual total metal load (IMBI) values and its relation to condition index were determined in water, sediment and tissues of crab (Callinectes sapidus) and two fish species (Mugil cephalus and Anguilla anguilla) inhabiting Köyceğiz Lagoon System. The average distribution of the IMBI values ranged from 0.033 to 0.265. Distribution patterns of IMBI in species follow the sequence: A. anguilla > M. cephalus > C. sapidus. Results showed that there are positive relationships between species sizes and metal levels in most cases. The concentrations of Pb in muscle in the three studied species were in all cases considerably higher than the maximum levels set by law. Average Cd, Cu and Zn values in M. cephalus were also higher than the limits proposed for fish by FAO/WHO, EC and TFC. Therefore, the human consumption of all analysed species is not recommended.