Heavy Metal in Edible Portions (Muscle and Skin) and Other Organs (Gill, Liver and Intestine) of Selected Freshwater Fish Species

Abstract

In this study, the concentrations of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, cobalt, calcium, magnesium, nickel, lead, chrome and boron elements in muscle, gill, skin, intestine and liver of selected fish species (Rutilus rutilus, Carassius carassius, and Cyprinus carpio) from Porsuk Dam Lake/Turkey were determined. The element analyses were performed with inductive coupled plasma-optic emission spectroscopy following microwave digestion techniques. Metal accumulation levels of tissues and species were remarkably different. Concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr and B in all tissues of the species were found to be below the detection limit (BDL) with ICP-OES. Irrespective of the fish species and tissues, the concentrations (mg kg−1 wet weight) of the other matals varied in the following ranges: Cu, below detection limit (BDL)-17.15; Zn, 9.08–699.60; Mn, BDL-8.23; Fe, 4.42–137.17; Co, BDL-1.49; Ca, 144.40–14376.60 and Mg, 95.81–903.23. The metal levels in muscle of the species were found below the limits proposed by FAO, WHO, and Turkish Food Codes, and these are safe for human consumption. However, heavy metal accumulation in skin and liver of some species was as high as non-permitted limits.