Use of food web bioaccumulation modeling to estimate human exposure to organic compounds via fish consumption

Date

2025-4-07

Author

Kayan, Ayşegül İdil

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In this study, the Aquatic Foodweb and TMF Model was used to predict bioaccumulation potentials of hydrophobic organic pollutants monitored in lakes in Türkiye. Data available in the literature was used for predicting specie chemical concentrations in pelagic, demersal and combined food webs. These data were then used to assess risks to human health via consumption of fish. Sensitivity analysis yielded logKow and chemical concentration in water as sensitive parameters for all species, whereas lipid content of detritus and phytoplankton had a great impact on the chemical concentration in organisms. Model was validated with data from Lake Ontario, Canada, and Lake Efteni and Lake Karaboğaz from Türkiye. Overprediction was observed, which was attributed to lack of: (i) site-specific information on food web and other environmental data, (ii) elimination mechanisms, (iii) incorporation of bioavailability of chemicals. The model was applied to determine organochlorine pesticide concentrations in tench and common carp from Lake Sapanca and sand smelt from Lake İznik. Human health risk assessment was conducted for both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health impacts on adults, adolescents and children. The outcomes reveal that the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks associated with the consumption of fish from Lake Sapanca and Lake İznik are above acceptable limits, although overestimation potential is present. Chemical concentrations in these water resources are above the environmental quality standards, which result in potential health risks associated with fish consumption, as per model results. This thesis study underscores potential chemical related dangers originating from these lakes.

Subject Keywords

Food web bioaccumulation modeling, Human health risk assessment, Hydrophobic organic chemicals

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11511/114569

Collections

Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis