Fish scales as a non-invasive method for monitoring trace and macroelement pollution

Haithem, Aib and Czédli, Herta and Edina, Baranyai and Zsófi, Sajtos and Boglárka, Döncző and Md., Sohel Parvez and Csaba, Berta and Varga, Zsolt and Ramzi, Benhizia and Nyeste, Krisztián József (2025) Fish scales as a non-invasive method for monitoring trace and macroelement pollution. BIOLOGY-BASEL, 14 (4). No.-344. ISSN 2079-7737

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Abstract

Increasing pollution of aquatic ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities underscores the urgent need for effective water quality monitoring. This study evaluates the use of fish scales from chub (Squalius cephalus) and nase (Chondrostoma nasus) as non-invasive bioindicators of trace and macroelement pollution in the Maros/Mureș River. We conducted qualitative and quantitative elemental analyses using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed distinct scale structures among the species studied. Concentrations of Ca, K, Mg, Na, P, S, Al, Ba, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Sr, and Zn were measured by ICP-OES. Our findings indicate significant variability in elemental accumulation in fish scales, supporting their potential use as bioindicators of environmental pollution, with variability depending on the ecological characteristics of the species. This methodology offers promising applications for modern interdisciplinary monitoring programs.

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