Heavy Metals in Fish from Lakes in Latvia: Concentrations and Trends of Changes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the level of heavy metal contamination of perch (Perca fluviatilis) from inland waters in Latvia. The level of metal (Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn, Fe) accumulation in fish tissues (muscle, liver, and gills) relative to contamination level, gender, age, and tissue type were studied in fish samples from 14 bog (dystrophic) lakes and 23 lakes of different trophic status. Samples from some sites in the vicinity of the largest cities had significantly increased metal levels. In contrast, fish tissues from bog lakes had very low metal levels, possibly because of the high concentrations of natural organic matter in these waters.