Co-occurrence of Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Cyanotoxins and Trace Elements in Commercial Fish Species from a Freshwater Protected Area (Pertusillo Lake, Southern Italy)

A total of 79 fish samples covering nine species were collected in a preliminary investigation on a SCI (Site of Community Importance) water reservoir (Pertusillo Lake, Southern Italy) created for drinking purpose and located in a territory used for drilling activities. Analyses for microcystins (MYCs) and cylindrospermopsins (CYLs) presence were performed using Elisa assays, while 10 fish samples were analyzed also for trace elements by atomic adsorption spectrophotometry and for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by GC-MS operated in EI mode. The results showed the compresence of important cyanotoxins and industrial contaminants in fish. More extended studies are needed to evaluate the combined effects of these contaminants on the lake ecosystem and ichthyic fauna, in order to establish an available risk assessment for human population in the lake region.