Abstract
The present research report the heavy metal (Cu, Pb and Zn) contamination in muscle tissue of three species of fish (silver carp, common carp and grass carp) caught from Zarivar international wetland. Heavy metal concentrations (ig g”1, wet weight; means±S.D.) in silver carp, common carp and grass carp muscle tissue were: Cu0.006 ±0.005, 0.01±0.008 and 0.013.91±0.011, Pb0.008±0.006, 0.006±0.003 and 0.011±0.007, Zn0.013±0.009, 0.017±0.014 and 0.009±0.008, respectively. Comparative evaluation of these metals in different fish species showed that the average concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn of all species is significantly lower than adverse level for the species themselves and for human consumption when compared with FAO/WHO permissible limits. Therefore, their contribution to the total body burden of these heavy metals can be considered as negligibly small. key words: Heavy metal, Food safety, Maximum contamination limit, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio, Ctenopharyngodon idella.
Highlights
The presence of metals in aquatic ecosystems originates from the natural interactions between the water, sediments and atmosphere (Kalay and Canil, 2000; Sankar et al 2006)
The aim of this study was to provide baseline information on heavy metal (Cu, Pb and Zn) contamination in muscle tissue of three fish species from Zarivar Lake (ZL), to determine whether these metals are within permissible limits for human consumption
It can be seen that the average concentrations Cu in grass carp is more than 2 times higher than common carp
Summary
The presence of metals in aquatic ecosystems originates from the natural interactions between the water, sediments and atmosphere (Kalay and Canil, 2000; Sankar et al 2006). Heavy metals may enter an aquatic ecosystem from different natural and anthropogenic sources, including industrial or domestic sewage, storm runoff, leaching from landfills, shipping and harbor activities and atmospheric deposits (Nair et al 2006). Chronic contamination by heavy metals and organic pollutants in the marine environment is a severe problem in estuaries. This has prompted numerous investigations on the effects of these pollutants on the biological functions of aquatic organisms and in particular defense mechanisms in fish (Wood, 1991).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
