Assessment of elemental concentrations in water, sediment, and fish from Beyşehir Lake (Konya): the largest freshwater source in Türkiye
摘要
Access to clean and safe freshwater is essential for human health and welfare in both developed and developing countries. Therefore, ecological monitoring of aquatic ecosystems is crucial for all living organisms dependent on these resources. Beyşehir Lake, largest freshwater lake in Türkiye, is a vital natural resource with ecological, economic importance and its sustainability is a national concern. This study investigates seasonally collected water, sediment, and fish (Carassius gibelio) from Beyşehir Lake to assess elemental distributions and potential risks to ecosystem and public health. Data for 21 parameters were compared with national and international regulations and findings from similar studies. Average concentrations showed that Be (2.67 µg L⁻1), Cr (2.77 µg L⁻1), Cu (3.25 µg L⁻1), and Pb (0.94 µg L⁻1) levels in water samples, and Cd (0.07 mg kg⁻1) and Sb (0.69 mg kg⁻1) in fish samples exceeded certain regulatory limits. In contrast, all elements in sediment samples were within acceptable limits. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) evaluation indicated that these elements have limited potential to accumulate in fish tissues. In the risk assessment for fish consumption, estimated daily intake (EDI) values for Cd, Fe and Ni exceeded tolerable daily intake (TDI) thresholds, indicating the need for monitoring. Despite these exceedances, the total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) value of 0.343 suggests that fish consumption does not pose a significant non-carcinogenic health risk. According to principal component analysis (PCA), lithogenic–anthropogenic rock weathering and natural mineralogical composition were identified as the main factors influencing the elemental content of water and sediment samples.