The aim of the present study was to analyze the impact of sex and localization on the levels of microelements (Cu, Zn and Fe) in the meat of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) collected from the Bay of Puck (S1), the Vistula Lagoon (S2), the Vistula River (S3), the Drwęca River (S4) and the Włocławek Dam Reservior (S5). The study involved 83 sexually mature individuals of fish caught in autumn, divided into females and males, and having the body length in the range from 15.5 to 18 cm. The muscles samples were taken from the large side muscle of the fish body above the lateral line. Metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption (AAS). The concentration of metals decreased in the following order: Zn > Fe > Cu and statistically significant differences were observed in the Zn, Fe and Cu content in the meat of fish collected from different water bodies. The mean content of Cu ranged from 2.97 mg·kg-1 (S5) to 28.75 mg·kg-1 (S2), Zn from 23.43 mg·kg-1 (S3) to 53.09 mg·kg-1 (S5) and  Fe from 19.18 mg·kg-1 (S3) to 38.38 mg·kg-1 (S5). Sex was a factor differentiating the content of Cu in each sampling location. Correlation analyses confirmed statistically significant and negative correlations between Cu-Zn (r = -0.48) and between Cu-Fe (r = -0.51). The relationship between Zn and Fe was positive and statistically significant (r = 0.64). The sampling sites significantly affected metal-metal interactions. The research indicated that consumption of 100 g of perch meat could cover over 60% of daily requirement for Cu, and 13 and 7%, respectively, for Zn and Fe.  

24.1.2019