In Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) species determination trace elements levels in muscle, liver, lung, accessory respiratory organ in different climatic conditions

In this thesis; Al, Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn and Cr elements levels of African catfish species were investigated in winter and summer seasons in muscle, liver, gill, accessory respiratory organ and brain tissues. Experimental application permit was given by 04.07.2011 dated and 2011/02 protocol numbered Ahi Evran University Experimental Animal Ethics Committee. Used animals in thesis were obtained in Adana Ceyhan basin located drainage canals and this study was separated to two groups including four female fishes in winter and four male fishes in summer. Analysis of study samples was made with AAS instrument (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry). In compared winter and summer groups; Aluminum, summer showed decrease in proportion to winter in muscle and gill. At the same time, aluminum showed increase in brain. As a result, this accumulation levels were found meaningful as a statistically (p<0,05). Summer showed decrease in proportion to winter in Cu, Zn and Mn elements was found meaningful as a statistically in only gill (p<0,05). At the same time, summer showed increase in proportion to winter in Mn element was found meaningful as a statistically in accessory respiratory organ and brain (p<0,05). Summer showed decrease in proportion to winter in Fe element was found meaningful as a statistically in only muscle tissue (p<0,05). Cr element is below the limit of quantification. Therefore, it was not evaluated as a statistically. As a result, seasonal changes were calculated in investigated tissues of Clarias gariepinus species in accumulation levels of some elements. We think differentiation of living conditions and metabolic changes in tissues and organs cause these changes. Key Words: Clarias gariepinus, Trace Element, Tissues, Organs.