Heavy metal contamination of Diplodus vulgaris (Sparidae) in the Gulf of Annaba (North-eastern Algeria)

Abstract

The aim of this work was to evaluate heavy metals (Lead and Cadmium) contamination in the muscles ofa local sea fish species, the black-headed Sar Diploddus vulgaris. We selected two sites in the Gulf of Annabafor this study (Sidi Salem fishing site and the Port of Annaba) and compared results to a reference site (Capde Garde), which is at a valuable distance from any source of pollution, and is considered as a relativelyclean site, while Sidi Salem and Port of Annaba are known to be exposed sites to various sources of industrial,urban and harbor pollution. Analyses have been carried out on 70 samples of dorsal-lateral muscles offishes weighting from 30 g to 280 g and sizing between 11.1 cm to 26.5 cm. The results showed the presenceof both metals in all samples during the 6 months of our study (from November to June) and in the 3 siteswith variable rates. Cadmium levels varied from 0.032 to 0.239 mg/kg/fw. Fish meat from Sidi Salem collectedduring the months of November and February displayed a rate of 0.038-0.074 mg/kg/fw of Cd beforereaching a higher value in March estimated to 0.202 mg/kg/fw of Cd. From April to June, the lateral dorsalmuscles were contaminated by lower Cd contents. Pb concentrations varied from 0.014 to 0.149 mg/kg/fw.The highest value was recorded during the month of March at Sidi Salem. Moreover, Pb concentrations inmuscle tissues increased significantly compared to the other studied sites. Very high significance differenceswere found between Cap de Garde and Port of Annaba and Sidi Salem for both metals (Pb and Cd). Toconclude, the presence of heavy metals in Diplodus vulgaris is due to the diet and the impact of anthropogenicactivities on the biotope of the fish and therefore poses a public health problem linked to frequentconsumption of this fish. Also, D. vulgaris appears to be a suitable sentinel species for the assessment ofecotoxicological risk in the Gulf of Annaba.