Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and their histopathological impact on Mugil cephalus from the North Eastern Region of Manzala Lake, Egypt

Abstract

There is a constant need for baseline information on the mugil fish health present in the North-Eastern region of Manzala lake. This study deals with the determination of the limit of heavy metals in Manzala lake as a representation of the northeastern area of Egypt and studied its impact on mugil health. Assessment of the mugil health achieved by studying the tissue heavy metal accumulation and histopathological examination of the different organs of fish. The result indicated the physical, chemical, and heavy metals properties of water and sediments of the mugil fish are above the maximum permissible limits for human consumption and that affects the mugil fish health. The histopathological damage in the gill, muscle and liver were severe in the autumn season. It is concluded that the environmental pollution of this area affected the mugil’s health. Therefore, monitoring this pollution is necessary to improve mugil fish health.