Bioaccumulation of aluminium and iron in the food chain of Lake Loskop, South Africa

► Total aluminium and iron were determined in biota of different trophic levels in Lake Loskop. ► Highest concentrations of Al and Fe measured in filamentous algae Spirogyra fluviatilis and S. adanata. ► Yellow body fat of Oreochromis mossambicus may be related to the feeding habits of this species. ► Intake of phytobenthos by O. mossambicus played a role in the bioaccumulation of Al in the food chain. ► Intake of phytobenthos by O. mossambicus contributed to development of pansteatitis in predators.