The purpose of this study was to assess selected
potentially toxic elements and persistent organic pollutants
concentrations in the Shahid Rajaei Dam reservoir as well
as their accumulation in barbel and
Leuciscus cephalus
fish
species. The concentration of arsenic, mercury, nickel,
chromium and cadmium in all water samples is less than
WHO drinking water standard. Chromium shows a higher
concentration than WHO standard in both fish species,
while nickel and mercury content in barbel fish is higher
than WHO standard. The result of principle component
analyses indicates an increased elemental concentration
due to application of phosphorus fertilizers in the agricultural
lands, especially paddy field, ending up to the Tajan
River and Shahid Rajaei Dam reservoir. Ni, Co, Mn, Pb
and Cr display a quasi-independent behavior within the
groups (PC1, PC2 and PC3) reflecting contribution of both
geogenic and anthropogenic sources. The concentrations of
persistent organic pollutants in all water samples, except
M-5 sample, are less than WHO and EPA drinking water
standards, while persistent organic pollutants (detected in
both fish species) indicate higher contents than those of
EPA standard values. Based on carcinogenic health risk
value, maximum allowable fish consumption for arsenic is
two meals per month. The result of noncarcinogenic health
risk of mercury indicates one and three meals consumption
per month for barbel and
L. cephalus fishes, respectively.
The calculation of maximum allowable fish consumption
based on carcinogenic health for dieldrin, ∑HCH,
heptachlor epoxide, ∑DDT and ∑PCBs reveals monthly
meals limitation of both fish species grown in Shahid Rajaei
Dam.
