Heavy metal content in whitefish in a number of rivers and lakes of the Taimyr Peninsula
https://doi.org/10.36038/2307-3497-2026-203-120-131
EDN: JKSBSI
Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine current levels and patterns of accumulation of the most toxic heavy metals in whitefish species in rivers and lakes of the Taimyr Peninsula, as an indicator of anthropogenic pollution in the region.
The study was based on the results of a survey of eight whitefish species from 10 water bodies in the Norilo-Pyasinskaya lake-river system. A total of 148 fish samples of various species were analyzed for cadmium, lead, nickel, and mercury, as well as 75 samples for copper.
Novelty: For the first time, estimates have been provided and possible patterns of cadmium, lead, nickel, copper, and mercury concentrations in the muscles of a wide range of whitefish species in water bodies of the Taimyr Peninsula have been determined. Methods used: Heavy metals in fish muscles were determined using atomic absorption with electrothermal atomization and flameless atomic absorption. Statistical data processing was performed in MS Excel and the Statistica 14.0 application package.
Results: The concentrations of the studied heavy metals in the muscles of whitefish species generally did not exceed the safe thresholds set by both the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union and the European Commission regulations. The distribution of cadmium and mercury by fish species, water bodies, and ecological groups showed statistically significant differences, while for other metals, it was random. It should be noted that the influence of the Norilsk industrial region on heavy metal concentrations in fish muscles was apparently not observed and could have been due to natural causes.
Practical significance: The obtained results were used to establish the compliance of the main valuable commercial fish species in the region with the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union adopted in Russia.
About the Authors
T. O. Barabashin
Russian Federal Research Institute of Fisheries and Oceanography («VNIRO»)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
19, Okruzhnoy proezd, Moscow, 105187
J. V. Kosenko
Southern Branch of branch of VNIRO («Southern»)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
21 в, Beregovaya st., Rostov-on- Don, 344002
I. V. Korablina
Southern Branch of branch of VNIRO («Southern»)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
21 в, Beregovaya st., Rostov-on- Don, 344002
L. G. Gorgola
Southern Branch of branch of VNIRO («Southern»)
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
21 в, Beregovaya st., Rostov-on- Don, 344002
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Review
For citations:
Barabashin T.O., Kosenko J.V., Korablina I.V., Gorgola L.G. Heavy metal content in whitefish in a number of rivers and lakes of the Taimyr Peninsula. Trudy VNIRO. 2026;203:120-131. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.36038/2307-3497-2026-203-120-131. EDN: JKSBSI
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