Spatial monitoring of heavy metals in the inland waters of Serbia based on bioaccumulation in fish

Rezime: Akvatični ekosistemi se nalaze pod najintenzivnijim antropogenim uticajem koji je doveo do povećanog prisustva zagađujućih materija, pa i velikog broja toksičnih zagađivača, prvenstveno teških metala, što zahteva permanentni monitoring. Bioakumulacijski monitoring (biomonitoring) je neophodan dodatak hemijskim analizama usled mogućnosti integracije uticaja na različite taksonomske grupe tokom dužeg vremenskog perioda, tako da je bolji pokazatelj promena u akvatičnoj sredini. Ribe predstavljaju jedan od najindikativnijih faktora za procenu zagađenja voda teškim metalima, a to je važno ne samo u procesu zaštite životne sredine, već i u proceni kvaliteta mesa i potencijalnog rizika za ljudsku populaciju. Ciljevi ovog istraživanja bili su: analiza nivoa akumulacije teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta riba, poređenje akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu između različitih vrsta riba, veza između koncentracija teških metala akumuliranih u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta i koncentracija teških metala u vodi, izbor potencijalno osetljive riblje vrste za monitoring studije teških metala, mogućnost primene indeksa zagađenja teškim metalima (engl. Metal Pollution Index - MPI) u proceni zagađenja voda teškim metalima, formiranje preliminarne mape zagađenja voda teškim metalima u Srbiji i poređenje koncentracija akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih riba sa maksimalno dozvoljenim koncentracijama (MDK) propisanih zakonskim regulativama EU i Republike Srbije. Najvažnije komercijalne vrste riba smuđ, som, deverika, mrena, skobalj i klen su proučavane u rekama, dok su u akumulacijama proučavane smuđ, som, deverika i babuška. Takođe, mogućnost upotrebe uklije kao bioindikatora kontaminacije voda teškim metalima je takođe ispitana.Summary: Aquatic ecosystems are under extremely intense anthropogenic pressure that has led to an increased presence of pollutants, primarily a large number of toxic pollutants, especially heavy metals, which requires permanent monitoring. Bioaccumulation monitoring (biomonitoring) is a necessary addition to chemical analysis because it can be used to integrate impacts on different taxonomic groups over an extended period of time, so it is a better indicator of changes in the aquatic environment. Fish are one of the most indicative factors for the assessment of heavy metal water pollution, and they are important not only in the process of environmental protection, but also in assessing the quality of meat and the potential risk to the human population. The objectives of this research were: to analyze the level of accumulation of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined; to compare the accumulated heavy metals in the muscle tissue of different fish species; to make a connection between the concentration of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined and the concentrations of heavy metals in the water, to select potentially sensitive fish species for monitoring the study of heavy metals, to investigate the possibility of applying the index of heavy metal pollution (Metal Pollution Index - MPI) to the assessment of heavy metal water pollution; to make a preliminary map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia; and to compare the accumulated concentration of heavy metals in fish muscle tissue with the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) established by EU and national legislation. The most important commercial fish species, catfish, bream, barbel, nase and chub, were studied in rivers, while perch, catfish, bream and Prusian carp were studied in reservoirs. Bleak were also studied as bioindicators of water contaminated with heavy metals. The analysis of metals and metaloids Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was performed with an ICP-OES Thermo Scientific iCAP 6500 Duo ICP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cambridge, United Kingdom) spectrometer. This study indicated a good response of fish to environmental changes, making them suitable bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The benthophagous species bream and barbel, which feed near the bottom, were identified as sensitive bioindicators of heavy metal water pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The predatory fish species catfish and omnivorous fish species Prusian carp were also shown to have important bioindicator potential. It was also shown that the MPI is a reliable index for expressing the status of heavy metal pollution in muscle tissue, presenting a clear picture of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. With that in mind, the MPI index can be potentially included in complex programs of monitoring of heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems in Serbia. With the use of MPI values, a classification of heavy metal water pollution in the major rivers and reservoirs in Serbia was proposed, showing the spatial patterns of heavy metals. This led to the identification of sites unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, slightly affected and affected. As a result of this water quality classification, a map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia was formed. According to this classification, the Tisa River can be categorized as a site unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, while the West Morava and Pek can be categorized as affected. Other rivers are slightly affected. The Gruţa, Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations can be classified as slightly affected ecosystems. The As, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations detected in all of the fish muscle were below the MPC established by both the EU and the Republic of Serbia. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb were above the MPC at several locations. Pb stands out with concentrations above the MPC in chub, barbel and nase meat at most sites. Cd concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Aleksandrovac accumulation. The Pb concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations, while the Fe concentrations were above the MPC in perch meat from the Bovan accumulation. In the bleak meat, metal concentrations were not above the MPC

ISHRANA GRABLJIVIH VRSTA RIBA I NJIHOV UTICAJ NA ODRŽANJE STABILNOSTI AKUMULACIJE BOVAN

The aim of this study was to investigate the diet of adult predatory fish (pikeperch, perch, pike, and catfish) that inhabit the Bovan reservoir and determine their impact on the ecological stability of the reservoir. The results showed that predators most often used planktivorous fish species in their diet, including bleak, roach, and perch. These species are dominant prey to predators, and at the same time important links in food chains. By feeding on planktivorous fish, predatory fish can contribute to the reduction of the eutrophication of the reservoir and keep this ecosystem stable.Publishe

The first observation of the presence of microplastics in wild common bleak (Alburnus alburnus L.) and standardization of extraction protocols

The presence of microplastics (MPs) in the gastrointestinal tract, muscle, and whole-body samples of common bleak Alburnus alburnus L. from Gruža Reservoir (Central Serbia) was studied for the first time. Different protocols for MPs extraction were applied to determine the most efficient one. The study aimed to modify existing protocols to be cost-effective, efficient in digestion, and with no detrimental effect on potentially present MPs polymers. In this study, the digestion with 10% KOH during 48 h at 40°C was efficient for the gastrointestinal tract and muscle. Digestion with 10% KOH during 72 h at 40°C was the most efficient for whole-body samples. The usage of NaClO proved successful in digestion of the gastrointestinal tract overnight at room temperature. Fibers detected in the samples are assumed to be of plastic origin. The general goal was to establish a protocol for extracting MPs from fish tissue in wild populations to obtain results and determine the degree of pollution.Publishe

Assessment Of Genotoxic Potential Of The Velika Morava River Basin

The Danube River is highly affected by human activity. Wastewaters discharging into the Danube River stream are one of the major problems, especially at Croatia-Serbia river section. The Velika Morava River is the greatest Serbian river and a significant tributary of the Danube River. Consequently, the water quality of the Velika Morava River could have a great impact on the water quality of the Danube River. In this study, the level of genotoxic potential along the Velika Morava River Basin was evaluated by using a battery of in vitro and in situ bioassays. Within the in vitro approach, SOS/umuC test on Salmonella thyphimurium TA1535/pSK1002 and the comet assay on HepG2 cell line were employed for genotoxicity testing of native water samples. The level of DNA damage on erythrocytes of bleak specimens (Alburnus alburnus) was observed using the alkaline and Fpg modified comet and micronucleus assays within in situ testing. The concentration of toxic metals in fish tissues and physico-chemical water status were chosen as parameters of pollution pressure on selected sites. Obtained results indicated lower sensitivity of selected in vitro tests when compared to in situ. Also, the tests using the in situ approach showed a range of sensitivity. Namely, the alkaline comet assay showed a greater potential than Fpg modified comet test and micronucleus assay in distinguishing between sites. According to results, application of complex bioassays battery was shown as a better choice in eco/genotoxicological studies than using only one bioassay. In that way, a holistic approach is appropriate for this type of study

Spatial monitoring of heavy metals in the inland waters of Serbia based on bioaccumulation in fish

Rezime: Akvatični ekosistemi se nalaze pod najintenzivnijim antropogenim uticajem koji je doveo do povećanog prisustva zagađujućih materija, pa i velikog broja toksičnih zagađivača, prvenstveno teških metala, što zahteva permanentni monitoring. Bioakumulacijski monitoring (biomonitoring) je neophodan dodatak hemijskim analizama usled mogućnosti integracije uticaja na različite taksonomske grupe tokom dužeg vremenskog perioda, tako da je bolji pokazatelj promena u akvatičnoj sredini. Ribe predstavljaju jedan od najindikativnijih faktora za procenu zagađenja voda teškim metalima, a to je važno ne samo u procesu zaštite životne sredine, već i u proceni kvaliteta mesa i potencijalnog rizika za ljudsku populaciju. Ciljevi ovog istraživanja bili su: analiza nivoa akumulacije teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta riba, poređenje akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu između različitih vrsta riba, veza između koncentracija teških metala akumuliranih u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta i koncentracija teških metala u vodi, izbor potencijalno osetljive riblje vrste za monitoring studije teških metala, mogućnost primene indeksa zagađenja teškim metalima (engl. Metal Pollution Index - MPI) u proceni zagađenja voda teškim metalima, formiranje preliminarne mape zagađenja voda teškim metalima u Srbiji i poređenje koncentracija akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih riba sa maksimalno dozvoljenim koncentracijama (MDK) propisanih zakonskim regulativama EU i Republike Srbije. Najvažnije komercijalne vrste riba smuđ, som, deverika, mrena, skobalj i klen su proučavane u rekama, dok su u akumulacijama proučavane smuđ, som, deverika i babuška. Takođe, mogućnost upotrebe uklije kao bioindikatora kontaminacije voda teškim metalima je takođe ispitana.Summary: Aquatic ecosystems are under extremely intense anthropogenic pressure that has led to an increased presence of pollutants, primarily a large number of toxic pollutants, especially heavy metals, which requires permanent monitoring. Bioaccumulation monitoring (biomonitoring) is a necessary addition to chemical analysis because it can be used to integrate impacts on different taxonomic groups over an extended period of time, so it is a better indicator of changes in the aquatic environment. Fish are one of the most indicative factors for the assessment of heavy metal water pollution, and they are important not only in the process of environmental protection, but also in assessing the quality of meat and the potential risk to the human population. The objectives of this research were: to analyze the level of accumulation of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined; to compare the accumulated heavy metals in the muscle tissue of different fish species; to make a connection between the concentration of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined and the concentrations of heavy metals in the water, to select potentially sensitive fish species for monitoring the study of heavy metals, to investigate the possibility of applying the index of heavy metal pollution (Metal Pollution Index - MPI) to the assessment of heavy metal water pollution; to make a preliminary map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia; and to compare the accumulated concentration of heavy metals in fish muscle tissue with the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) established by EU and national legislation. The most important commercial fish species, catfish, bream, barbel, nase and chub, were studied in rivers, while perch, catfish, bream and Prusian carp were studied in reservoirs. Bleak were also studied as bioindicators of water contaminated with heavy metals. The analysis of metals and metaloids Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was performed with an ICP-OES Thermo Scientific iCAP 6500 Duo ICP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cambridge, United Kingdom) spectrometer. This study indicated a good response of fish to environmental changes, making them suitable bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The benthophagous species bream and barbel, which feed near the bottom, were identified as sensitive bioindicators of heavy metal water pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The predatory fish species catfish and omnivorous fish species Prusian carp were also shown to have important bioindicator potential. It was also shown that the MPI is a reliable index for expressing the status of heavy metal pollution in muscle tissue, presenting a clear picture of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. With that in mind, the MPI index can be potentially included in complex programs of monitoring of heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems in Serbia. With the use of MPI values, a classification of heavy metal water pollution in the major rivers and reservoirs in Serbia was proposed, showing the spatial patterns of heavy metals. This led to the identification of sites unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, slightly affected and affected. As a result of this water quality classification, a map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia was formed. According to this classification, the Tisa River can be categorized as a site unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, while the West Morava and Pek can be categorized as affected. Other rivers are slightly affected. The Gruţa, Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations can be classified as slightly affected ecosystems. The As, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations detected in all of the fish muscle were below the MPC established by both the EU and the Republic of Serbia. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb were above the MPC at several locations. Pb stands out with concentrations above the MPC in chub, barbel and nase meat at most sites. Cd concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Aleksandrovac accumulation. The Pb concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations, while the Fe concentrations were above the MPC in perch meat from the Bovan accumulation. In the bleak meat, metal concentrations were not above the MPC

Spatial monitoring of heavy metals in the inland waters of Serbia based on bioaccumulation in fish

Rezime: Akvatični ekosistemi se nalaze pod najintenzivnijim antropogenim uticajem koji je doveo do povećanog prisustva zagađujućih materija, pa i velikog broja toksičnih zagađivača, prvenstveno teških metala, što zahteva permanentni monitoring. Bioakumulacijski monitoring (biomonitoring) je neophodan dodatak hemijskim analizama usled mogućnosti integracije uticaja na različite taksonomske grupe tokom dužeg vremenskog perioda, tako da je bolji pokazatelj promena u akvatičnoj sredini. Ribe predstavljaju jedan od najindikativnijih faktora za procenu zagađenja voda teškim metalima, a to je važno ne samo u procesu zaštite životne sredine, već i u proceni kvaliteta mesa i potencijalnog rizika za ljudsku populaciju. Ciljevi ovog istraživanja bili su: analiza nivoa akumulacije teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta riba, poređenje akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu između različitih vrsta riba, veza između koncentracija teških metala akumuliranih u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih vrsta i koncentracija teških metala u vodi, izbor potencijalno osetljive riblje vrste za monitoring studije teških metala, mogućnost primene indeksa zagađenja teškim metalima (engl. Metal Pollution Index - MPI) u proceni zagađenja voda teškim metalima, formiranje preliminarne mape zagađenja voda teškim metalima u Srbiji i poređenje koncentracija akumuliranih teških metala u mišićnom tkivu ispitivanih riba sa maksimalno dozvoljenim koncentracijama (MDK) propisanih zakonskim regulativama EU i Republike Srbije. Najvažnije komercijalne vrste riba smuđ, som, deverika, mrena, skobalj i klen su proučavane u rekama, dok su u akumulacijama proučavane smuđ, som, deverika i babuška. Takođe, mogućnost upotrebe uklije kao bioindikatora kontaminacije voda teškim metalima je takođe ispitana.Summary: Aquatic ecosystems are under extremely intense anthropogenic pressure that has led to an increased presence of pollutants, primarily a large number of toxic pollutants, especially heavy metals, which requires permanent monitoring. Bioaccumulation monitoring (biomonitoring) is a necessary addition to chemical analysis because it can be used to integrate impacts on different taxonomic groups over an extended period of time, so it is a better indicator of changes in the aquatic environment. Fish are one of the most indicative factors for the assessment of heavy metal water pollution, and they are important not only in the process of environmental protection, but also in assessing the quality of meat and the potential risk to the human population. The objectives of this research were: to analyze the level of accumulation of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined; to compare the accumulated heavy metals in the muscle tissue of different fish species; to make a connection between the concentration of heavy metals in the muscle tissue of the fish species examined and the concentrations of heavy metals in the water, to select potentially sensitive fish species for monitoring the study of heavy metals, to investigate the possibility of applying the index of heavy metal pollution (Metal Pollution Index - MPI) to the assessment of heavy metal water pollution; to make a preliminary map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia; and to compare the accumulated concentration of heavy metals in fish muscle tissue with the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) established by EU and national legislation. The most important commercial fish species, catfish, bream, barbel, nase and chub, were studied in rivers, while perch, catfish, bream and Prusian carp were studied in reservoirs. Bleak were also studied as bioindicators of water contaminated with heavy metals. The analysis of metals and metaloids Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was performed with an ICP-OES Thermo Scientific iCAP 6500 Duo ICP (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Cambridge, United Kingdom) spectrometer. This study indicated a good response of fish to environmental changes, making them suitable bioindicators of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The benthophagous species bream and barbel, which feed near the bottom, were identified as sensitive bioindicators of heavy metal water pollution in aquatic ecosystems. The predatory fish species catfish and omnivorous fish species Prusian carp were also shown to have important bioindicator potential. It was also shown that the MPI is a reliable index for expressing the status of heavy metal pollution in muscle tissue, presenting a clear picture of heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. With that in mind, the MPI index can be potentially included in complex programs of monitoring of heavy metals in freshwater ecosystems in Serbia. With the use of MPI values, a classification of heavy metal water pollution in the major rivers and reservoirs in Serbia was proposed, showing the spatial patterns of heavy metals. This led to the identification of sites unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, slightly affected and affected. As a result of this water quality classification, a map of heavy metal water pollution in Serbia was formed. According to this classification, the Tisa River can be categorized as a site unaffected by direct pollution with heavy metals, while the West Morava and Pek can be categorized as affected. Other rivers are slightly affected. The Gruţa, Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations can be classified as slightly affected ecosystems. The As, Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations detected in all of the fish muscle were below the MPC established by both the EU and the Republic of Serbia. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb were above the MPC at several locations. Pb stands out with concentrations above the MPC in chub, barbel and nase meat at most sites. Cd concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Aleksandrovac accumulation. The Pb concentrations were above the MPC in bream meat from the Bovan and Aleksandrovac accumulations, while the Fe concentrations were above the MPC in perch meat from the Bovan accumulation. In the bleak meat, metal concentrations were not above the MPC

Arsenic and other trace elements in five edible fish species in relation to fish size and weight and potential health risks for human consumption

© 2015, HARD Publishing Company. All rights reserved. The main objectives of study were to determine the concentrations of As and other trace elements (Al, Co, Fe, Ni, Sn, Se) in the muscle, liver, and gills of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), catfish (Silurus glanis), and pike (Esox lucius), and in the muscle of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and freshwater bream (Abramis brama), to identify relationships between element concentrations and total length and weight of the examined fish and studies of potential impact of contaminated fish consumption on human health. In the present study, the highest concentrations of As (0.004 mg·kg-1), Sn (0.154 mg·kg-1), and Co (0.053 mg·kg-1) were observed in the liver of pikeperch. The highest concentrations of Ni (0.051 mg·kg-1) and Fe (162.17 mg·kg-1) were observed in gills and liver of pike, respectively, while the highest concentrations of Al (22.65 mg·kg-1) and Se (0.509 mg·kg-1) were observed in gills and liver of catfish, respectively. Freshwater bream diverged from the other four species based on element concentrations in muscle, while catfish diverged from the other predator species based on element concentrations in gills. This indicates that the element levels detected in organs seem to reflect the pollution level of sediment and its biota, rather than the prevailing pollution state of the water. We recorded the most correlations between element accumulation and fish size and weight in the tissues of pike, which could probably be explained by life histories, as well as by habitat of this species. Meat of studied species should be safe for utilization in human diet

Arsenic and Other Trace Elements in Five Edible Fish Species in Relation to Fish Size and Weight and Potential Health Risks for Human Consumption

© 2015, HARD Publishing Company. All rights reserved. The main objectives of study were to determine the concentrations of As and other trace elements (Al, Co, Fe, Ni, Sn, Se) in the muscle, liver, and gills of pikeperch (Sander lucioperca), catfish (Silurus glanis), and pike (Esox lucius), and in the muscle of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) and freshwater bream (Abramis brama), to identify relationships between element concentrations and total length and weight of the examined fish and studies of potential impact of contaminated fish consumption on human health. In the present study, the highest concentrations of As (0.004 mg·kg-1), Sn (0.154 mg·kg-1), and Co (0.053 mg·kg-1) were observed in the liver of pikeperch. The highest concentrations of Ni (0.051 mg·kg-1) and Fe (162.17 mg·kg-1) were observed in gills and liver of pike, respectively, while the highest concentrations of Al (22.65 mg·kg-1) and Se (0.509 mg·kg-1) were observed in gills and liver of catfish, respectively. Freshwater bream diverged from the other four species based on element concentrations in muscle, while catfish diverged from the other predator species based on element concentrations in gills. This indicates that the element levels detected in organs seem to reflect the pollution level of sediment and its biota, rather than the prevailing pollution state of the water. We recorded the most correlations between element accumulation and fish size and weight in the tissues of pike, which could probably be explained by life histories, as well as by habitat of this species. Meat of studied species should be safe for utilization in human diet

Cryopreservation of Danube barbel Barbus balcanicus sperm and its effects on sperm subpopulation structure

© 2020. by the Serbian Biological Society. The objective of this study was to develop a successful freezing protocol for cryopreservation of Danube barbel sperm, and to identify the presence of different spermatozoa subpopulations. By testing different concentrations of different cryoprotectants, we determined that the use of 5% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) yielded the highest total motility of ∼25%. Cooling rates influenced by frame height and cooling time in liquid nitrogen vapor showed that a frame height of 3 cm and cooling time of 2 min yielded the highest post-thaw motility. Supplementation of cryomedia with 0.1 M of sugars led to an increase in the total post-thaw motility by ∼50%, while protein supplementation lowered post-thaw motility. Motile spermatozoa hierarchically clustered according to their motility parameters, displaying a four-subpopulation (SP1-SP4) structure. SP1 was defined by low values of velocity but high overall linearity; SP2 was comprised of fast non-linear spermatozoa, that had high velocity values but low linearity; SP3 was characterized by fast linear spermatozoa, and SP4 by slow non-linear spermatozoa. Protocols developed in this study will lead to the creation of new and enhanced conservation strategies for this species

Potentially toxic elements in invasive fish species Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio) from different freshwater ecosystems and human exposure assessment

Concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sn, and Zn were detected in the muscle and gills of Prussian carp from three different freshwater ecosystems: isolated ponds and the South Morava River in Serbia, and Kopačko Lake in complex wetland ecosystem of the Kopački Rit Nature Reserve in Croatia. The main goals of the present research were to assess the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the muscle and gills of Prussian carp (Carassius gibelio), to examine whether abiotic factors from three different freshwater ecosystems affect the accumulation of PTEs in fish tissues, and to estimate the human health risk resulting from fish consumption. There were only six concentrations of PTEs in the gill tissue (Cr, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sn, and Zn) that were not significantly different among the different freshwater ecosystems. In the muscles, the differences were much less visible. Kopačko Lake distinguished with the highest values of metal pollution index (MPI) for muscles (0.24) and isolated ponds with the highest values of MPI for gills (0.8). The redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that concentrations of Al, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Fe in the gill tissue were significantly correlated with the environmental variables. In contrast, the RDA based on element concentrations in the fish muscles indicated no significant relationship with the environment. Isolated ponds, with no inflow of freshwater, stand out as the most polluted, followed by Kopačko Lake with occasional floods. Flowing freshwater ecosystem South Morava River can be single out as at least polluted with PTEs. The target hazard quotients (THQ) and hazard index (HI) suggested there were no significant noncarcinogenic health risks. The target carcinogenic risk factor (TR) for As and Pb confirmed there were no cancer risks related to human fish consumption. Since the elevated concentrations of toxic Cd and As in Prussian carp were estimated, an early warning should be assumed, especially for fishing activities in these areas