Bioaccumulation of chromium and nickel in the tissues of <i>Barbus marequensis</i> A. Smith, 1841 from the Lower Olifants River, Mpumalanga

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of chromium and nickel in selected tissues and organs of the freshwater fish Barbus marequensis was investigated. According to the monthly data, the blood accumulated the highest amount of chromium, followed by the bile and vertebrae, while the skin accumulated the lowest amount. Nickel mainly accumulated in the blood, followed by the vertebrae and gills, while the lowest nickel concentrations occurred in the fat tissue. Although significant differences (p ≤ 0,05) between localities were detected, no definite trend as to where the highest bioaccumulation had occurred could be established. The levels in the tissues and organs of B. marequensis suggested no serious chromium or nickel pollution in the study area.