ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN SOME ORGANS OF THE COMMON CARP GROWING IN LAKES IN KOSOVO

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in the liver and gills of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) growing in Badovci and Batllava Lakes in Kosovo. Sixty healthy fish were collected from March to June 2016. The concentrations of metals in fish’s organs were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Higher values of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in the livers and gills were observed in individuals from Badovci Lake. Statistically significant differences in Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in the livers and gills were found between Badovci and Batllava Lakes. The Kishnica mine in the vicinity of Badovci Lake likely contributes to the high concentrations of these heavy metals in the water and fish. The results of this research will be useful for risk assessment by relevant institutions responsible for the monitoring and surveying of environmental pollution and food security and safety in Kosovo.