Assessment of trace metals contamination in Diplodus annularis (Linnaeus, 1758) from the south coast of Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract

Contamination of trace metals in fish is regarded as a major crisis globally, with a large share in many developing countries. On the south coast of Sfax (Tunisia), concentrations of seven trace metals, i.e., cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn), were evaluated in Diplodus annularis. The sampling was conducted during December 2014. The Cd and Zn concentrations were higher than the FAO/WHO and WHO permissible limits in all tissues, while Fe and Pb concentrations were higher than the WHO permissible limits in the gills and/or liver. The levels of metal accumulation varied between tissues: liver > gills > muscle. The total target hazard quotient (THQ) through consumption of fish, calculated by adding the individual THQs, was above 1, indicating that there is significant potential health risk associated with the consumption of D. annularis. Therefore, intake of sparaillon for the general population is a matter of concern.