HEAVY-METAL POLLUTION IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND FISH FROM THE TIGRIS RIVER IN TURKEY

Abstract

Some heavy metals (Co, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in water, sediments and some fish species (Cyprinion macrostomus and Garra rufa) from the Tigris River. Mo and V were not detected in water and Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn were found low values. Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, V and Zn were found very high levels in the sediments. All the fish samples contain high concentrations of Cu, Ni and Zn, while Co, Mo, Pb and V were not detected. The high concentrations of heavy metals may be directly related to the contamination of the Tigris River by Ergani Copper Plant and the geochemical structure of this region.