Monitoring of Heavy Metals Concentration in European Hake

Abstract

Fish consumption ensure health benefits, nevertheless the existence of heavy metal pollution in seafood still deputize public health concerns. These study aims to evaluate the concentration levels of cadmium and chrome in muscle tissue of European Hake (Merluccius merluccius) with different size. Fish samples were collected and purchased regularly from the central fresh fish market of Tirana whereas a total of 44 samples of muscle tissue were evaluate by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the investigation showed that, cadmium concentration levels (p=0.001) varied significantly between fish sample size of European Hake. According to the results concentration levels of cadmium made an exception (0.04 mg/kg ww), over passing (large fish size) the maximum permitted level for human consumption set by EC legislation. Based to the results of the investigation it will be of great interest the further evaluation and monitoring of European hake specie with the aim to protect Albanians consumers’ health by cadmium contamination.