Elemental concentrations in different tissues of European perch and black bullhead from Sava Lake (Serbia)

Abstract

Distribution of 17 chemical elements in gills, muscle, and liver of the European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and black bullhead (Ameiurus melas) from the Sava Lake (Serbia) was studied to detect bioaccumulation patterns in relation to the species' diet and trophic level. Concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Ni, Pb, B, and Se were below the detection limits. Concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Zn were higher in gills of the black bullhead; As, Mo, and Sr were higher in liver of the European perch; Fe and Zn were higher in liver of the black bullhead. In muscle, a significant difference between species was found only for Sr. Copper was detected only in liver of the black bullhead. Similarity in elemental concentrations in both species could be explained by a relatively similar diet of these two species, while the differences, especially in gills, could be explained by different habitat preferences.