In this study, the ecosystem marine water-sediment-biota was investigated and the pollution was assessed. The concentrations of eight elements were determined in marine water, sediments and four fish species collected from Black Sea (Varna), Bulgaria during 2013. Marine water recorded the highest concentrations of Zn (15-22 μg/L), As (1.1–1.2 μg/L) and Pb (0.7-0.8 μg/L) while Zn (31-52 μg/g), Pb (21-29 μg/g) and Cu (20-34 μg/g) and show the highest concentrations in sediments. Water and sediments showed similar spatial distribution patterns for the highest mean values of the different metals. In the analysed fish species, the highest concentration of the metals Cu and Zn were found in Trachurus Mediterrneus (0.42 mg/kg w.w) and in Sprattus Sprattus (12.7 mg/kg w.w), respectively while the heavy metals As and Hg were found with maximum values in Pseta Maxima (3.99 mg/kg w.w and 0.08 mg/kg w.w respectively). The results from this study were compared with our data for a previous period (2004-2006) and they show decrease in the levels of heavy metal.
EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES IN TWO FISH SPECIES INHABITING MEDITERRANEAN SEA COAST; DAMIETTA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT.