Metal(loid)s and persistent organic pollutants in yellow European eel from the Raša River, Croatia

The anthropogenic impact on the aquatic environment of the Raša River (Croatia) was investigated through the analysis of seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), three DDT isomers, and 22 major and trace elements using yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) as a biological indicator of contamination. The obtained data indicated generally low contamination status in the surrounding area. Levels of all organic contaminants in muscle significantly increased with lipid content, length, weight and body condition. In both muscle and liver, most metal(loid)s decreased or remained unchanged with increasing size, while at downstream location only several elements (Cd, Cu, Fe, Na, Se, U, V, Zn) accumulated in the liver with fish growth. Spatial analysis revealed higher pressure of Ag, Cd, Cr, Mo, Tl, U, and V at the downstream location, revealing the potentially limited impact of historical coal mining industry on the lower reaches of the Raša River. [Display omitted] •PCBs and DDTs were equally dominant accounting for >97 % of total analysed POPs.•p,p′-DDE was predominant organic pollutant in eels (>37 % of all POPs).•All POPs increased with lipid content, length, weight and eel condition.•Of metal(loid)s, only Cd, Cu, Fe, Na, Se, U, V and Zn in liver increased with fish growth.•Concentrations of all contaminants indicated low to moderate level of contamination.