Investigation of heavy metal amounts in water, sediment and some fish species of Porsuk Stream

Porsuk Stream passing from the borders of Eskişehir and Kütahya has a significant water supply, feeds Sakarya River which has important water potential in Turkey. In particular, Porsuk Stream is used up to the province of Eskişehir as drinking water and using water basin. Therefore, determination of water quality of Porsuk Stream has a great importance for the health of ecosystems in the region. Porsuk Stream has polluted by domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes. In this study, macro and micro element levels in water, sediment and fish species (muscle, gill and liver) of Porsuk Stream were determined. Stations were selected by taking into account the pollutant factors and water, sediment and fish samples were taken from the stations on the seasonal basis. Also, some important water parameters were investigated in order to determine the water quality of Porsuk Stream. Elements were analyzed (Pb, As, Hg, Cd, Al, Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, B, Ca, Mg, K, Na, P) by ICP-OES method. Obtained data was evaluated via statistical methods. In addition, water, sediment and fish samples obtained from the limit values were compared with results in national and international legislations. Compared with a source of Porsuk Stream, Kütahya and Eskişehir provinces due to the exit of water quality in intensive organic and inorganic pollution decrease, the pollution load of sediment and fish tissues were significantly increased.