Biomonitoring of metal(oid)s in mining-affected Borcka Dam Lake coupled with public health outcomes

Due to increased anthropogenic activities, the aquatic environment is exposed to pollutants much more than ever. These pollutants go into the food chain and can pose a health risk to human. Correlatively, Borcka Dam Lake, Turkey has been affected by mining activities since decades. In the present study, therefore, Cu, Pb, As, Zn, Mn, Cd, Cr, and Se concentrations in water, sediment, and different tissues (muscle, gill, liver) of 11 fish species sampled from the lake were analyzed regarding metal(oid)s pollution and potential human health risk through fish consumption. The metal(oid) concentrations in the water were below the limit values recommended by USEPA for aquatic life criteria but sediments were heavily polluted by As, Cu, Pb, and Zn based on Sediment Quality Guideline. The lowest metal(oid) values among tissues for all fish species were determined in muscle (p < 0.05) which was lower than the limits for human consumption declared by European Union Regulation. Target Hazard Quotient and Hazard Index used non-cancer risk estimate which was lower than 1. In the view of these results, the consumption of fish caught from the Borcka Dam Lake may not pose a potential risk to human.