MANGANESE, LEAD AND STRONTIUM BIOACCUMULATION IN THE TISSUES OF THE YELLOWFISH, BARBUS-MAREQUENSIS FROM THE LOWER OLIFANTS RIVER, EASTERN TRANSVAAL

The bioaccumulation of manganese, lead and strontium in the freshwater fish (Barbus marequensis) from the lower Olifants River, E. Transvaal , was investigated. The highest concentrations of these metals were de tected in the vertebrae and gills. The localities in the Kruger Nation al Park did not differ significantly from each other and therefore no clear indication as to where the highest bioaccumulation had occurred, could be established. However, the highest manganese and strontium le vels occurred in fish from the Selati River. For the future monitoring of manganese, lead and strontium levels in bony fish, it is suggested that bony tissues (e.g. vertebrae, opercular bone or scales), gills, liver and muscle tissue are used.