Concentrations of Trace Elements (Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ni, Co, and Cd) in Invasive Fish Perccottus glenii in Water Bodies of Moscow

Abstract

Microclimates of large cities and global warming favor the range expansion of the Far-Eastern invasive fish Perccottus glenii in northern regions of Europe where this invader becomes a component of local ecosystems and participates in transmission of parasites and pollutants along food chains. We have assessed contents of seven trace elements in muscle tissues of this invasive fish in 16 water bodies within the city of Moscow. In all water bodies studied, quantities of all studied elements did not exceed the maximum concentrations permitted in national and international guidelines. Therefore, the screened water bodies of Moscow may be assessed as unpolluted. The fish P. glenii is a convenient object for assessing pollution levels of city ponds, since this fish species is now widespread, reaches a high population densities in shallow aquatic sites, may be caught easily, no permit is required for its capture because the species is recognized as invasive, and its partial elimination does not damage native freshwater ecosystems.