Structural Alterations in Scales of Capoeta capoeta from Heavy Metal-Contaminated River Water

Abstract Heavy metal pollution, especially in freshwater, is a serious problem for aquatic organisms and human health. In this study, the scales of Capoeta capoeta living in the Karasu River (Turkey), which is estimated to be contaminated with pollutants, especially heavy metals, were examined for structural anomalies. Two stations on the river were selected for this purpose. Fish and surface water samples were taken at the stations. The heavy metal analyzes were carried out in the water and in the fish tissue. Heavy metal pollution was detected in the surface water. It was also observed that some heavy metals (As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn) accumulate in the fish tissue. Significant structural differences were observed on the dorsal surface of the scales, such as interrupted primary radii, damaged circuli, damaged focus, damaged anterior scale margin, broken focus, deformed scale structure, scattered chromatophores, dilatation of primary radii, loss of focus, damaged annuli, symmetry shift in the lateral line canal, eroded circuli, damaged posterior scale margin, double focus, branching in the primary radii, asymmetric circuli, incomplete annuli and interrupted secondary radii in each of the fish collected from the contaminated site. Heavy metals are suspected to be responsible for the structural anomalies in the scales. Based on these observations, it can be said that fish scales can be used as an effective indicator of water quality.