Macroelement and microelement compositions in the liver of smooth-hound Mustelus mustelus in fall and spring from Iskenderun Bay, Northeastern Mediterranean Sea

Abstract

The shark is an important cartilaginous fish species in the Northeastern Mediterranean and has occupied a wide range of areas. They are landed for different kinds of reasons but mostly as by catch. Sharks have a great proportion of livers that are generally not used. The livers may have potential usage for different materials e.g., fish meal, food ingredients, and fish oil materials. Therefore, they should be used, not wasted. Determining its macro element and microelement composition could be beneficial for any raw material. According to this current study’s data, Cd and Pb levels were detected only in Fall. The Cr levels in the livers were not detected all year long. The amounts of the Cu, Mn, and Zn in the livers of common sharks all year long did not exceed 1 mg/kg, 1 mg/kg, and 2.4 mg/kg respectively. The livers contained high levels of Fe which differed from season to season. The difference in Fe amounts was found to be statistically significant between seasons (P>0.05). Even though changes were observed in the levels of microelements in the livers of common sharks in this study, there were no statistically significant changes except for Zn and Fe. There should be more testing to support the result suggested. Results of this study showed that the predominant macro minerals were Na and P for sharks in fall and spring (3968 and 3710 mg/kg, respectively throughout the year).