Chronic genetic damages in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Geophagus brasiliensis</Emphasis> exposed to anthropic impact in Estuarine Lakes at Santa Catarina Coast–Southern of Brazil

Biological monitoring through animals exposed to pollutants using biomarkers provides a promising tool for the identification of pollutants that may cause damage to human health and/or to sustainability of ecosystems. The effects of pollutants in fish tissues are important tools to understand the impact of human activities in natural ecosystems. The aim of this work was to study the water quality of two estuarine lakes in Santa Catarina, Brazil (Camacho Lake and Santa Marta Lake). Geophagus brasiliensis is a species widely distributed in Brazil and was used in this work. Comet assays in peripheral red blood and kidney cells, micronucleus tests in peripheral red blood cells, measurements of acetylcholinesterase activity in axial muscle and histopathological analysis of liver were used as biomarkers. Three sampling campaigns were undertaken in November 2004, June 2005 and November 2005. Thirty adult animals were sampled from each of three different sites (P1—Santa Marta Lake, P2 and P3—Camacho Lake). A negative control was sampled in a non-polluted site at Costa Ecological Park, Paraná. The positive control for genotoxicity was obtained by treating animals with copper sulphate. The results showed that both studied lakes are impacted by potential genotoxic substances. Severe lesions in liver of G. brasiliensis were also observed. The inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity suggests the presence of pesticides or metals in the studied sites. This work shows that the water quality of Santa Marta and Camacho Lakes have been compromised and further control source of pollutants into these ecosystems is required.     

Integrated survey of water pollution in the Suquía River basin (Córdoba, Argentina)

We report a combined two-year seasonal monitoring of Suquía River basin using both chemical parameters and biomarkers measured in Jenynsia multidentata, aiming to correlate external levels of contaminants with the response of oxidative stress biomarkers in this fish. Identified pollution sources correspond to city sewage as well as agricultural and small industry activities downstream from Córdoba city. Physicochemical parameters integrated into a water quality index (WQI) were measured in Suquía River during dry and wet seasons. Ag, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Fe, Pb and Zn were also monitored in water and sediment samples. Biomarkers include detoxication and antioxidant enzymes: catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR). Enzymes showed a pollution dependent response, with increased activities in fish collected close to the sewage exit and progressive drop further downstream, matching changes in the Water Quality index. The combined use of biomarkers with water quality parameters allowed both the identification of pollution sources and the evaluation of effects of contaminants on the aquatic biota.     

Organophosphate pesticide environmental exposure: analysis of salivary cholinesterase and carboxilesterase activities in preschool children and their mothers

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of salivary cholinesterase and carboxylesterase as biomarkers of exposure to environmental organophosphate pesticides. Ninety samples were obtained from women and 62 samples from their preschool-aged children who live near an agricultural area of the Upper Valley of the Negro River (Patagonia, Argentina) where pesticides are applied 6 months a year. Each participant donated two samples under similar conditions: one in the pre-exposure period and another during the pulverization period. Demographic information, potential confounders, and risk behaviors were registered. Active or passive smoking had no effect on these enzyme activities in either group. During the pulverization period, cholinesterase activity was not detectable in 76% of the children's samples and 23% of the mothers' samples. Comparing samples collected during the pulverization period with respect to the pre-pulverization period, the average mother and child cholinesterase activity decreased by 65.7% (p < 0.001) and 85.8% (p < 0.001), respectively. Also, mother and child carboxylesterase activity decreased by 27.5% (p < 0.001) and 41.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. Child carboxylesterase activity in the pulverization period was associated to the habit of eating dust outdoors (p < 0.01). The most frequent inhibition levels observed for cholinesterase and carboxylesterase activity were between 70–100% and 0–29%, respectively, in both groups studied. This shows that at the same level of exposure, cholinesterase was more sensitive to inhibition than carboxylesterase. Therefore, carboxylesterase might more properly reflect the degree of environmental organophosphate exposure and may have potential as a novel tool for biomonitoring.     

Heavy metals and arsenic concentrations in ten fish species from the Šalek lakes (Slovenia): assessment of potential human health risk due to fish consumption

The study, which measured the concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cd, Zn and As in various fish tissues (muscle, gill and liver) of 10 fish species (Abramis brama danubii, Alburnus alburnus alburnus, Barbus meridionalis petenyi, Carassius auratius gibelio, Cyprinus carpio, Lepomis gibossus, Leuciscius cephalus cephalus, Perca fluviatilis fluviatilis, Rutilus rutilus, Scardinus erythrophtlalmus erythrophtlalmus) collected in the Šalek lakes, is the first survey regarding metal concentrations in fish species with samples originating from Slovene lakes, while only a limited number of such studies have been carried out in southeastern Europe. Since these lakes are situated in the close vicinity of the largest Slovene thermal power plant, the study provides an insight into the potential impact of increased levels of metals in the environment as well as an estimate of the contamination of fish tissues with metals. Furthermore, it was possible to compare the results obtained with those from other studies regarding metal levels in freshwater fish species. The mean metal concentrations of different tissues irrespective of species varied in the following ranges: Zn 4.31–199 mg/kg ww, Pb 0.01–0.48 mg/kg ww, As 0.02–0.44 mg/kg ww, Hg <0.01–0.31 mg/kg ww, Cd < 0.01–0.19 mg/kg ww. In general, higher contents of Hg were found in muscles and livers than in gills and higher contents of As in gills and livers than in muscles, respectively. The accumulation of Pb and Zn was most pronounced in gills. The result obtained regarding metal concentrations in fish revealed that the ecosystems of the Šalek lakes are not polluted with Hg and Pb, slightly loaded with As and Cd and moderately polluted with Zn. In addition, the potential human health risk due to fish consumption was assessed. This showed that the estimated weekly intakes for all metals were far below provisional permissible tolerable weekly intakes determined by WHO/FAO. The consumption of fish from the Šalek lakes, therefore, does not pose a risk to human health.     

The Use of Mytilus Galloprovincialis Acetylcholinesterase and Glutathione S-Transferases Activities as Biomarkers of Environmental Contamination Along the Northwest Portuguese Coast

With the aim of using Mytilus galloprovincialis acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and glutathione S-transferases (GST) activities as biomarkers of environmental contamination in risk assessment studies along the northwest Portuguese coast, the objective of this study was to provide background information related to: (1) baseline values of these enzymatic activities both in reference and contaminated areas and their responsiveness as indicators of exposure to environmental contaminants; (2) the importance of seasonal variations of such biomarkers in M. galloprovincialis along this area. For this, the activity of these enzymes was seasonally determined in mussels collected from four sites, including a reference and three stations with different contamination sources along the referred area. Statistically significant differences on both enzymatic activities were found among the four sampling stations, at the four sampling periods. In comparison to the reference station, lower AChE and higher GST activity values were found in mussels collected in stations potentially contaminated by pesticides and domestic/industrial effluents and in mussels collected in the vicinity of an oil refinery and an industrial/mercantile harbour, respectively. The results obtained in this work highlighted the potential suitability of these biomarkers to be used as components of environmental monitoring programs in risk assessment studies along the northwest Portuguese coast. Since a seasonal variation in both enzymatic activities was found, the possible implications of such variability in the use of these enzymes as environmental biomarkers are also discussed.     

Multimarker approach analysis in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three freshwater sites

The aim of this study is to assess the response of a multimarker approach in common carp Cyprinus carpio sampled from three Tunisian dam lakes selected according to different environmental and ecological characteristics. Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity was analyzed in carp liver and used as a phase II detoxification enzyme, hepatic metallothionein content (MTs) was used as a metallic stress indicator, and cholinesterase activities were analyzed in muscle and brain and used as neurotoxicity biomarker. Micronucleus frequency test (MN) as a genotoxicity marker. GST and MT levels showed an increase in fish from the Bir Mcherga site and a decrease in Sidi Saâd site with respect to fish from Nebhana site. Results showed a strong inhibition of cholinesterase activities in fish from Bir Mcherga and Sidi Saâd sites compared to Nebhana site. Relatively high level of MN is reported specially in fish blood from the Bir Mcherga site.     

Assessment of microcystins in lake water and fish (Mugilidae, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Liza</Emphasis> sp.) in the largest Spanish coastal lake

Cyanobacteria dominance and cyanotoxin production can become major threats to humans and aquatic life, especially in warm shallow lakes, which are often dominated by cyanobacteria. This study investigates the occurrence and distribution of microcystins (MCYST) in water, cell-bound and in the tissues of the commercial mugilid Liza sp. in the largest, coastal, Spanish Mediterranean lake (Albufera of Valencia). This is the first report concerning microcystin accumulation in tissues of mugilid fish species. Considerable amounts of microcystins were found in the water and seston, which correlated with development of Microcystis aeruginosa populations in the lake. The MCYST concentrations found in Lake Albufera (mean 1.7 and 17 μg/L and maximum 16 and 120 μg/L in water and seston, respectively) exceeded by one to two orders of magnitude the guideline levels proposed by the World Health Organization and were higher than that reported in other lakes of the Mediterranean zone. The presence of MCYST was found in all the fishes studied and accumulated differently among tissues of the commercial species Liza sp. Toxin accumulation in fish tissues showed that although the target organ for MCYST was the liver, high concentrations of microcystins were also found in other analysed tissues (liver>intestine>gills>muscle). Human tolerable daily intake for microcystins is assessed relative to the WHO guidelines, and potential toxicological risks for humans, wildlife and related ecosystems of the lake are discussed.     

Cadmium and Lead Levels in Fish (Tilapia Nilotica) Tissues as Biological Indicator for Lake Water Pollution

Cadmium and lead were determined in different tissues (muscle,gill, stomach, intestine, liver, vertebral column and scales) of Tilapia nilotica from the High Dam Lake, Aswan (Egypt) to assess the lake water pollution with those toxic metals. Fish samples were chosen from different ages and weights to be analyzed along with samples of the aquatic plant(Najas armeta), sediment and lake water.The results showed that cadmium and lead concentrations were higher in fish scales and vertebral column than in the other parts of the fish. Cadmium and lead levels in High Dam lake water and fish (Tilapia nilotica) were a result of the pollution which uptakes from aquatic plants, sediments andgasoline containing lead that leaks from fishery boats. Tilapia nilotica fish was used as a good bio-assay indicator for the lake pollution with cadmium and lead. The fish musclesin this study were in the safety baseline levels for man consumption.     

Alterations in protein metabolism in selected tissues of fish,Cyprinus carpio,during sublethal concentration of cypermethrin

Freshwater fish, Cyprinus carpio, were exposed to sublethal concentration of cypermethrin (20 µg/l) for 6, 12, 24 and 48 h to determine the protein fractions, amino acids, protease, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, ammonia, urea and glutamine levels in gill, brain, liver and muscle tissues. Total, structural and soluble proteins showed decrement; whereas free amino acids and the activities of protease, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase significantly increased at all exposure periods in cypermethrin-exposed fish. Interestingly, ammonia content decreased but urea and glutamine levels increased in all the tissues during cypermethrin stress. It was observed that the changes steadily increased with an increase in the period of exposure and exhibited tissue specificity.     

长江源区河流及典型湖泊丰水期水质与鱼类群落分析

为加强长江源区水生态研究,于2017年丰水期调查了长江源区5个湖泊、5条河流的水质和鱼类资源状况,并研究了其空间格局.水质综合指数(WQI)计算结果显示,长江源区WQI范围为41～87,评价等级介于差到良好之间,大部分采样点的水质评价等级为一般,其中,班德湖的水质评价等级为良好.主成分分析结果显示,长江源区河流、淡水湖...     

Assessment of microcystins in lake water and the omnivorous fish (Carassius gibelio, Bloch) in Lake Pamvotis (Greece) containing dense cyanobacterial bloom

Toxin-producing cyanobacteria in lakes and reservoirs form a threat to humans as well as various forms of aquatic life. This study examined the occurrence and distribution of Microcystins (MCYST) in the shallow eutrophic lake Pamvotis (Greece). MCYST concentrations in the tissues (liver, kidneys, intestine, gonads, brain and muscle) of the fish species Carassius gibelio were also examined. Tests were performed with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). MCYST concentration in water and in the scum of Lake Pamvotis were highest during the warm period (April–October, 2005). Phytoplankton samples were dominated by the genera Microcystis and Anabaena during the same period. MCYST values were always below the WHO Guide level for recreational waters but much higher than the WHO Guide level for drinking water. It was found that MCYST can accumulate in the fish tissues of C. gibelio. Even though the target organ for MCYST is the liver, in our study MCYST were found also in the rest of C. gibelio tissues in the following order: intestine> kidney> > brain>gonads> muscle. Muscle tissue contained concentrations of microcystins that correspond to 0.096 μg/kg/day well above the recommended limit for human consumption (0.04 μg/Kg/day).     

Determination of heavy metal levels in water, sediment and tissues of tench (Tinca tinca L., 1758) from Beyşehir Lake (Turkey)

In the present study, some heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) were seasonally determined in water, sediment and some tissues of fish Tinca tinca from Bey?ehir Lake, which is an important bird nesting and visiting area, a water source for irrigation and drinking. In the water, Fe has the highest concentrations among the studied metals. Generally, the metal concentrations increased in the hottest period decreased in warm seasons. Results for levels in water were compared with national and international water quality guidelines, as well as literature data reported for the lakes. Fe was the highest in sediment samples, also Cu and Zn were the highest in spring, while Fe and Mn were in autumn. Among the heavy metals studied, Cu and Mn were below the detection limits in some tissues. Generally, higher concentrations of the tested metals were found in the summer and winter, compared with those during the autumn and spring seasons. High levels of heavy metals were found in liver of T. tinca, while low levels in muscle samples. Metal concentrations in the muscle of examined fish were within the safety permissible levels for human consumption. The present study shows that precautions need to be taken in order to prevent further heavy metal pollution.     

Accumulation and health risk assessment of trace elements in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Carassius auratus gibelio</Emphasis> from subsidence pools in the Huainan coalfield in China

Microelement (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) concentrations were determined in the muscle, skin, gill, and liver tissues of Carassius auratus gibelio collected from subsidence pools at three different coal mines in the Huainan coalfield in China. The concentrations of elements in the water were within the allowable levels for raising fish. However, the higher levels of these metals in sediment may pose potential harm on fish. It was found that the concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Zn in all fish tissues were higher, while As, Cd, and Pb levels were relatively low. Microelement accumulation appeared to be more widespread in subsidence pools than that in natural water. Elements accumulated in fish tissues differently: the highest metal concentrations were generally found in the liver tissues of the fish analyzed, whereas the lowest were recorded in the muscles. The mean element concentrations in muscle tissue from C. auratus gibelio collected from subsidence pools (As, 0.16 mg/kg; Cd, 0.06 mg/kg; Cr, 6.21 mg/kg; Cu, 1.61 mg/kg; Ni, 3.88 mg/kg; Pb, 1.76 mg/kg; and Zn, 12.80 mg/kg dry weight) were far below the allowable limit of the hygienic standard in fish proposed by the Ministry of Health in China, suggesting that the fish were safe for human consumption. A health risk assessment also suggested there was no risk from the analyzed elements for inhabitants near the Huainan coalfield that consume fish.     

Spectroscopic Distribution of Dissolved Organic Matter in a Dam Reservoir Impacted by Turbid Storm Runoff

Spectroscopic characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in a large dam reservoir were determined using ultraviolet absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy to investigate spatial distribution of DOM composition after turbid storm runoff. Water samples were collected along a longitudinal axis of the reservoir at three to four depths after a severe storm runoff. Vertical profiles of turbidity data showed that a turbid water layer was located at a middle depth of the entire reservoir. The spectroscopic characteristics of DOM samples in the turbid water layer were similar to those of terrestrial DOM, as demonstrated by the higher specific UV absorbance (SUVA) and the lower fluorescence emission intensity ratio (F ₄₅₀/F ₅₀₀) compared to other surrounding DOM samples in the reservoir. Synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that higher content of humic-like DOM composition was contained in the turbid water. Fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) showed that lower content of protein-like aromatic amino acids was present in the turbid water DOM. The highest protein-like fluorescence was typically observed at a bottom layer of each sampling location. The bottom water DOM exhibited extremely high protein-like florescence near the dam site. The particular observation was attributed to the low water temperature and the isolation of the local bottom water due to the upper location of the withdrawal outlet near the dam. Our results suggest that the distribution of DOM composition in a dam reservoir is strongly influenced by the outflow operation, such as selective withdrawal, as well as terrestrial-origin DOM inputs from storm runoff.     

Use of biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to assess the impacts of pollution in Bolgoda Lake, an urban water body in Sri Lanka

The present study reports the first analysis of water pollutants in Sri Lankan waters using a suite of biomarkers in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) residing in Bolgoda Lake which receives urban, industrial and domestic wastes from multiple sources. The fish were collected from the lake in the dry period (April 2005) and wet periods (September 2005, October 2006) and the levels of biomarkers viz. hepatic ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), metallothioneins, biliary fluorescent aromatic compounds, brain and muscle cholinesterases (ChE) were compared with those of the laboratory reared control fish and the fish obtained from a less polluted water body, Bathalagoda reservoir (reference site). The results revealed that biomarker levels of the fish collected from the reference site were not significantly different from the controls. Hepatic EROD and GST activities in fish from Bolgoda Lake were induced 4.2-16.6 folds and 1.4-3.3 folds respectively compared with the control fish. Analysis of bile in the lake fish revealed recent uptake of naphthalene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene type polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The induction of EROD activities in feral fish reflects the exposure of fish to aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists including PAHs present as pollutants in the Bolgoda Lake. Cholinesterase activity in the fish inhabiting one sampling site of Bolgoda Lake was lower (22-40% inhibition) than the activity measured in the control fish indicating the presence of anticholinesterase pollutants in the area. Hepatic metallothionein levels in the lake fish were higher (1.9-3.2 folds) in comparison to the controls indicating metal exposure. The results support the potential use of these biomarkers in Nile tilapia in assessing pollution in tropical water bodies.     

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in different tissues of three commonly available fish species regarding their gender,gonadosomatic index,and condition factor in a wetland ecosystem

In the present research, accumulation of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn were determined in sediments and fillet, liver, kidney, gonads, and gills of three commonly fish species in the largest wetland ecosystem that is located in southwest of Iran; Shadegan wetland. Shadegan is one of the most important wetland that posses various fauna and flora but suffers inputs from agricultural and industrial activities. So, sediment samples and fish species including Barbus grypus, Barbus sharpeyi, and Cyprinus carpio were collected during winter 2009. Results showed that mean concentrations of trace elements (except Ni and Co) were high in liver and gills of B. grypus. Also trace elements had the most accumulation in liver of B. sharpeyi except for Cd (0.26 mg kg^− 1 d.w.) and Mn (13.45 mg kg^− 1 d.w.) that were high in gills. Beside, kidney is determined as target tissue for Ni and V in B. grypus and for Pb in C. carpio, due to their high concentration. Zn levels in all tissues of C. carpio showed the highest concentrations in comparison to other fish species. Generally, accumulations of most of the studied elements in B. grypus and B. sharpeyi were higher in females than in males, while in fillet and gonads of C. carpio, this trend was inverted. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were determined for different tissues of fish species with respect to elemental concentrations in sediment. BAFs results indicated that Zn, Pb, and Cu have higher BAF than other elements. Also this investigation demonstrated that trace elements have different affinities with condition factor of studied fish species. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and Pb showed positive correlation together in both B. sharpeyi and B. grypus, respectively, in females and males. Moreover, females of C. carpio showed significantly positive relation of GSI and all studied elements.     

Near-shore distribution of heavy metals in the Albanian part of Lake Ohrid

The heavy metal contamination in Lake Ohrid, a lake shared between Albania and Macedonia, was studied. Lake Ohrid is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in the world, with a large variety of endemic species. Different anthropogenic pressures, especially heavy metal influxes from mining activities, might have influenced the fragile equilibrium of the lake ecosystem. Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, emergent vegetation, and fish were investigated at selected sites of the lake and a study of the heavy metals in five tributaries was conducted. The lake surface water was found to have low levels of heavy metals, but sediments contained very high levels mostly near river mouths and mineral dump areas with concentrations reaching 1,501 mg/kg for Ni, 576 mg/kg for Cr, 116.8 mg/kg for Co and 64.8 g/kg for Fe. Sequential extraction of metals demonstrates that heavy metals in the sediment are mainly present in the residual fraction varying from 75% to 95% in different sites. High heavy metal levels (400 mg/kg Ni, 89 mg/kg Cr, and 39 mg/kg Co) were found in plants (stem of Phragmites australis), but heavy metals could not be detected in fish tissue (gill, muscle, and liver of Salmo letnica and Salmothymus ohridanus).     

Concentrations of microcystins in tissues of several fish species from freshwater reservoirs and ponds

The aim of this study is to summarise the determination of concentrations of microcystins (MCs) in muscle and liver of freshwater fish species caught in stagnant waters of the Czech Republic. Within the years 2007–2009, 351 muscle samples and 291 liver samples of 16 freshwater fish species derived from four fishponds, and four water reservoirs were analysed. MCs were detected in 53 liver samples. The highest concentrations of microcystins were determined in liver samples of carnivorous fish species; 50.3 ng/g of fresh weight (FW) in perch (Perca fluviatilis) and 22.7 ng/g FW in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca). MCs in liver were detected in other five fish species; asp (Aspius aspius), pike (Esox lucius), common carp (Cyprinus carpio), grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Concentrations of MCs in liver of nine fish species (European bream, whitefish, tench, silver carp, European catfish, roach, chub, crucian carp and rudd) were below the detection limit of 1.2–5.4 ng/g FW for different MC congeners. However, the concentrations of MCs in all muscle samples were below the detection limit. The assessment of MCs concentrations might be influenced by the detection method used. Due to the concentrations of MCs being below the detection limit in muscle samples of all fish species analysed, it seems that there might be a low potential threat for human health in case of fish muscle consumption.     

Assessment of heavy metals in water samples and tissues of edible fish species from Awassa and Koka Rift Valley Lakes, Ethiopia

The Ethiopian Rift Valley Lakes host populations of edible fish species including Oreochromis niloticus, Labeobarbus intermedius and Clarias gariepinus, which are harvested also in other tropical countries. We investigated the occurrence of six heavy metals in tissues of these fish species as well as in the waters of Lake Koka and Lake Awassa. Both lakes are affected by industrial effluents in their catchments, making them ideal study sites. Mercury concentrations were very low in the water samples, but concentrations in the fish samples were relatively high, suggesting a particularly high bioaccumulation tendency as compared with the other investigated metals. Mercury was preferentially accumulated in the fish liver or muscle. It was the only metal with species-specific accumulation with highest levels found in the predatory species L. intermedius. Lower mercury concentrations in O. niloticus could be attributed to the lower trophic level, whereas mercury values in the predatory C. gariepinus were unexpectedly low. This probably relates to the high growth rate of this species resulting in biodilution of mercury. Accumulation of lead, selenium, chromium, arsenic and cadmium did not differ between species, indicating that these elements are not biomagnified in the food chain. Values of cadmium, selenium and arsenic were highest in fish livers, while lead and chromium levels were highest in the gills, which could be related to the uptake pathway. A significant impact of the industrial discharges on the occurrence of metals in the lakes could not be detected, and the respective concentrations in fish do not pose a public health hazard.     

Determination of Cadmium and Copper in Fish Samples from Sir And Menzelet Dam Lake Kahramanmaraş, Turkey

The cadmium and copper levels were determined in the total of 126 fish samples which belongs to five fish species collected from Sır and Menzelet Dam Lakes in Kahramanmaraş Province by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentrations of heavy metals were expressed as ppm wet weight of tissue. The mean levels of cadmium and copper in muscle, liver and gill tissues of Cyprinus carpiofrom the Menzelet Dam were found as 0.27, 0.91, 1.49 and 0.94, 1.2, 1.05, respectively. The mean levels of Cd in the muscle tissues of Leuciscus cephalusfrom the Menzelet Dam were found 0.32 ppm, Cd wasn't found in tissues of liver and gill. The mean levels of Cu in the muscle, liver and gill tissues were found as 3.17 ppm, 1.19 ppm, 0.96 ppm, respectively. The mean levels of the Cd and Cu in muscle and gill tissues of Acanthobrama marmid from the Sır Dam were found as 1.28, 2.64 and 0.72, 0.08, respectively. The levels of the Cd and Cu in muscle tissues of Cyprinus carpiofrom the Sır Dam were found 0.87 and 0.02 ppm, respectively. The mean levels of the Cd and Cu in the muscle and gill tissues of Chondrostoma regium from the Sır Dam were found to be 0.80, 2.62 and 0.67, 1.34 ppm, respectively. The mean levels of the Cd in the muscle tissues of the Silurus glanis was found as 0.60 ppm. In the muscle of the Silurus glanis from the Sır Dam, Cu was not found. The Sır Dam is more polluted than the Menzelet Dam from the point of Cd but less polluted than the Menzelet Dam From the point of Cu. A relationship was determined between species and their habitating region in terms of the levels reflected metal residues. In this study it was emphasized that the amounts of Cd and Cu in the samples were low, however, seas, lakes, rivers, soil, air and consumed foods etc. has to be controlled routinely.