Seasonally Accumulation of Microcystins in the Various Tissues of an Endemic and Protected Fish Species (Rutilus panosi) with Different Sizes

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to investigate the accumulation of microcystins (MCYST) in the various tissues of an endemic and protected fish species (Rutilus panosi). We also tried to identify any differences in sensitivity and accumulation of MCYST, for various specimens of the same fish species related to body length. MCYST concentrations in lake water and fish tissues were determined by a commercial Microcystin ELISA kit. Results showed that considerable amount of toxins were found to be accumulated in tissues of R. panosi throughout the year. Among them, liver had the highest MCYST concentrations (407.97?+/-?32.43?ng/g). This study confirmed the accumulation of high MCYST concentrations in fish brain (308.75?+/-?26.49?ng/g). Our results suggest, that MCYST accumulation in R. panosi tissues is size depended. High MCYST concentration in the muscle of the fish increases the risk of unsafe consumption, thus threatening human health.