Integrated assessment with biomarker responses and metal concentrations on some fish species from İzmir Bay: A preliminary investigation

Antioxidant related biomarkers (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde) were investigated to evaluate metal (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn) bioaccumulation in some organs of fish species (Sparus aurata, Chelon labrosus, Diplodus vulgaris) from the İzmir Bay. Samples were collected at November 2019 from Inner and Outer Bays. Metal and biomarker analyses were carried out by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer and microplate reader, respectively. For metal analyses in organs, higher metal bioaccumulations were found at liver tissues. Higher Hg and Zn concentrations were found in S. aurata, higher Cd, Cr, Cu and, Mn concentrations were detected in C. labrosus and higher Pb concentrations were determined in D. vulgaris. In biomarker results, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were generally higher in gills, however, MDA contents were higher at liver. The highest biomarker results were detected at C. labrosus. Statistical analyses were demonstrated that especially MDA content were expressed strong responses for the metal bioaccumulations. Also, Mn levels were considerably correlated with all biomarkers as expected. This study revealed that combined utilization of biomarkers and metal concentrations could be a vital indicator to investigate health status of the marine ecosystems.