Determination of levels and distribution of metal and metalloid of water, sediment and some marine species (Liza ramada, Callinectes sapidus) in Paradeniz Lagoon, Göksu Delta (Mersin).

In this research it was aimed to determine the seasonal changes of the levels of some heavy metals (Al, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Pb, Cd and Ti) and metalloid (As) in water, sediment and the tissues of mullet (Liza ramada Risso, 1826) and blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) species, which were caught from the lagoon and offered for consumption, as representing of biota in the Göksu Delta Paradeniz Lagoon in Mersin Province In material selection, the level of organization and habitat of the species were taken into account. Water and sediment samples were sampled seasonally from six different stations to represent the lagoon, fish and crab samples were purchased from cooperative fishermen. During the sampling, some physical and chemical parameters of the water, such as dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH and electrical conductivity were measured instantly with the help of a CTD probe. Water, sediment and biota samples were brought to Mersin University Faculty of Fisheries Processing Laboratory in ice boxes. Water, sediment and tissue samples were prepared for metal analysis by spectrophotometric method, and the metal and metalloid levels of the samples were measured with THERMO SCIENTIFIC brand, NESLABTHERMO FLEX 2500 model Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). A statistically significant difference was found between the levels of the inspected metals and metalloids in water sediments and fish and crab tissues, depending on the heavy metal and season (p<0.05). The highest metal and metalloid levels were determined in sediment, biota and water, respectively. In the study, Al, Se, As, Pb were found at the highest levels in sediment samples in summer, Cr and Ti in winter, and Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in spring (p<0.05). In water samples, Al, Cr and Fe were determined at the highest levels in summer, Cr, Pb and Ti in autumn, Cu, As and Pb in winter, and Cu, Zn and As in spring. In fish liver tissue, Se and Pb were detected at the highest levels in autumn, Al in winter, Cu, Zn and As in spring, and Fe, Zn, Cd and Ti in summer. In gill tissue, Al, Se and As were determined at the highest levels in autumn, Cr in winter, Fe, Cu, Zn in spring, and Pb and Ti in summer. In muscle tissue, Al, Se, As and Cd were detected at the highest levels in autumn, Cr in winter, Fe in spring, and Cr, Pb and Ti in summer. The metals inspected, with the exception of Al, were found at the highest levels in liver tissue and lowest levels in muscle tissue. Among the metals inspected in tissues, Fe, Cu and Zn metals were detected at the highest levels. In crab hepatopancreas tissue; Se and As in autumn, Fe and Cd in winter, Cu in spring, Al, Zn, Pb and Ti in summer, in gill tissue; As in autumn, Al, Fe and Ti in winter, Se in spring, Cu, Zn and Pb in summer, in muscle tissue; As in autumn, Cr and Se in winter, Al and Ti in spring, and Pb and Cd in summer were found at the highest levels. No seasonal differences were detected in muscle tissue levels in terms of Fe, Cu and Zn (p>0.05). In the muscle tissue, which is the consumable part of the sampled fish and crabs, Zn, Cu, Cr, Se, Pb and Cd levels were determined within acceptable levels for human consumption according to the Turkish Food Codex (Cd: 0.1 mg/kg; Cu: It was found to be 20.0 mg/kg; Pb: 0.4 mg/kg; Zn: 50.0 mg/kg). Seasonal changes in terms of metal and metalloid levels determined in water and sediment samples can be explained by climatic factors such as precipitation and evaporation, and anthropogenic events that occur mostly under the influence of agricultural activities. The distinction between tissues in terms of the metals and metalloids examined can be attributed to the functional differences of the tissues, and the distinction between species can be associated with discrimination at the level of organization and reproductive periods.