Content of Pb and Zn in Sediments and Hydrobionts as Ecological Markers for Pollution Assessment of Freshwater Objects in Bulgaria-A Review

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug 4;19(15):9600. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19159600.

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to describe the contents of Pb and Zn in sediments and hydrobionts as ecological markers for the pollution assessment of freshwater objects in Bulgaria, and the data are compared with other countries and regions. Symmetry was found regarding the levels of Zn in the sediment of the Ovcharitsa and Zhrebchevo dams, which were twice the MAC for arable land (Regulation № 3 of Bulgarian legislation). Symmetry was also observed between the results for Zn and Pb in the studied sediments, and the "favorites" in terms of content were the samples from Zhrebchevo Dam and, especially, from Ovcharitsa Dam. Asymmetry was established in the accumulation of Zn in the livers of carps inhabiting Topolnitsa Dam in comparison with these in Ovcharitsa Dam. A similar asymmetry was observed for lead. The analysis of the muscles and livers of the studied fish showed an asymmetry in the accumulation of zinc, and this process was more intense in the liver. Symmetry was found in the accumulation of Pb in the liver and muscle tissues of the carp from the studied water bodies.

Keywords: accumulation; fish; freshwater sites; lead; pollution; zinc.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bulgaria
  • Carps*
  • China
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Fresh Water
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Lead / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy* / analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis
  • Zinc / analysis

Substances

  • Metals, Heavy
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Lead
  • Zinc

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding. Funding for this study was obtained from Norway Grants—Innovation Norway through the “Assessment, reduction and prevention of air, water and soil pollution in Stara Zagora region” (№ 2008/115236 and 9AF/21), and the Determination of the ecological–biochemical condition of Atanasovsko Lake Maintained Reserve, Poda Protected Site, and Pomorie Lake Protected Site based on the levels of some hydrophysical and hydrochemical indicators and heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni) in the waters and organisms of crustaceans (Branchiopoda: Anostraca and Malacostraca: Amphipoda).