Ecological and biochemical aspects of assessment of Cu and Ni pollution of freshwater bodies in the Region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria – a review

The study aims to make an ecological assessment of Cu (copper) and Ni (nickel) pollution of freshwater bodies in the Stara Zagora industrial Region, Bulgaria. A literature reference has been prepared on the concentrations of Cu and Ni at all levels in the food chain: sediment, aquatic plants and fish in the studied region and worldwide. The results of our own research on the amounts of these metals in the sediment and organisms of aquatic biota from water bodies in the region have also been interpreted. When analyzing the obtained data, a negative correlation is established between the accumulation of Cu in the liver of carps inhabiting the Ovcharitsa and Topolnitsa Dams. A dependence of a similar nature is also observed for the element nickel. When comparing the amounts of copper and nickel within the framework of our study, as well as those from other research worldwide, a similar trend is observed regarding the levels of these metals in the liver and musculature of the tested fish. Studies conducted in the Region of Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, and other countries confirmed the ability of hydrobionts to accumulate heavy metals and to be excellent bioindicators for pollution with these toxicants. Global environmental pollution is a prerequisite for continuing research in this area, with other possible environmental markers.

Keywords

assessment, copper, nickel, accumulation, fish, freshwater bodies

URI

https://doi.uni-plovdiv.bg/handle/store/1028

Collections

Ecologia Balkanica

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