İzmir Körfezi'ndeki balık türlerinde ağır metallere karşı çoklu biyoişaretçi tepkileri

Biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde and metallothionein) were investigated to evaluate the bioaccumulation of metals in the organs of fish species (Sparus aurata, Chelon labrosus, Diplodus vulgaris) in the İzmir Bay. The fish were collected from the Inner and Outer Bays in 3 periods, in November 2019, November 2020 and May 2021. Metal analyzes were carried out with Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and biomarker analyzes were made with a microplate reader. Depending on the metal and biomarker measurements found in the organs, the levels in the liver and gills tissues were observed to be higher than in the muscle tissues. According to statistical results, significant differences were found between tissues for all metal and biomarker parameters. In addition, it was determined that biomarkers responded significant answers for metal bioaccumulations. Although the metal levels determined according to the health risk assessment were below the threshold limit values, the As levels for the lifetime cancer risk were determined within the limits that should be considered. This study revealed that the combined use of biomarkers and metal concentrations can be an important tool for investigating the health status of marine ecosystems. In conclusion, this thesis will provide robust findings for its related study field.