Heavy metal burdens in nine species of freshwater and anadromous fish from the Pechora River, northern Russia

Muscle samples from nine species of freshwater and anadromous fish from the Pechora River were analyzed for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Cu and Zn concentrations were within normal physiological ranges. Cd and Pb concentrations in Pechora River fish muscle were not elevated relative to other freshwater arctic fish and were below thresholds associated with toxicological effects and U.S. regulatory limits for human consumption. A negative correlation between Pb and age was observed in Pechora River whitefish (R2 = 0.41; P = 0.0479).