Comparative investigation of pollution accumulation of fish and plant samples taken from different locations on Kocaçay Stream

In this study, fish (Carassius carassius) and plant samples from different regions (Hayırlar Village and Ekmekçi Village) on the Kocaçay stream, also known as the 'Capraz Stream', located in the Bursa province of the Marmara region and opening to the Marmara Sea, are Saz (Juncus inflexus), Reed Yumak (Festuca arundinacea) was collected, it was aimed to determine the amounts of some heavy metals in both terrestrial and aquatic areas of Kocaçay. Due to advanced industrialization and widespread urbanization, there may be a spread of inorganic pollutants in this region. Kocaçay water polluted by the discharge of urban and industrial wastes may affect water and aquatic creatures, and it may also negatively affect soil and plants due to its use in agricultural irrigation. It is thought that this area is especially contaminated with heavy metals. In this study, fish and plant samples taken in four different periods (January, February, May and June) were examined and metal accumulations of As (Arsenic), Mn (Manganese), Cd (Cadmium), Zn (Zinc), Pb (Lead) were evaluated. The length and weight of the fish samples were measured and tissue samples were taken. Plant samples were selected from herbaceous plant species found in and around Kocaçay stream. The results obtained showed the presence of As and Mn in fish and plant samples taken from Hayirlar Village in May and June. While the presence of As and Mn was determined in the reed plants settled in the Kocaçay stream at the determined location in Ekmekçi Village, the presence of As and Mn was found in the reed-like plants and fish tissues along the stream. This may be because Ekmekçi Village is located at the end of Kocaçay which opens to the Marmara Sea, thus opening to higher water flow rates. Accordingly, Kocaçay, which is an important waterbed of the Southern Marmara Region, needs to be protected by taking the necessary precautions to eliminate the health risks to people and other living creatures, as it is a region where both fishing and agricultural activities are intense.