Metal Concentrations In Muscle Research Articles

Histopathology reveals environmental stress in dusky flounder Syacium papillosum of the Yucatan Peninsula continental shelf

The histological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and gills of Syacium papillosum from the continental shelf of the Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf of Mexico, and their statistical associations with environmental conditions and pollutants were assessed in 2010, 2011, and 2012. We evaluated the extension and severity of the lesions through a degree of tissue change (DTC), and, with the sum of the number of lesion types within each of their DTC stages, we determined the histological alteration index (HAI). The liver and kidney were the most affected organs, with HAI values > 100. Fish with the most severe damage were observed on the Campeche Bank and the Caribbean Sea, contrasting with those collected from the northern Yucatan continental shelf. The presence of foci cellular alteration and abundant melanomacrophage centers indicated that these flatfishes were chronically exposed to environmental stress factors. Redundancy analyses showed strong associations between HAI values and hydrocarbon and heavy metal concentrations in muscle. Our results provide evidence for the first time of a differential health condition of the Yucatan shelf through the histopathology shown in S. papillosum, establishing the baseline for future monitoring programs in the region.Graphical abstract

Heavy metal concentrations in various tissues of two fish species from Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) and associated health risk assessment

Purpose of review and methodIn this study, indicate the average or range of 10 heavy metal concentrations in muscle, gills and liver of two fish species (Squalius pursakensis and Cyprinus carpio) living in the Damsa Dam Lake (Turkey) was examined in relation to fish gender and size. Inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry was used to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals. The average contents of the metals in S. pursakensis muscle samples were 0.877, 9.285, 0.614, 0.488, 8.190, 0.155, 0.015, 0.010, 0.218, 0.009 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb respectively. On the other hand, the average contents of the metals in C. carpio muscle samples were 0.673, 8.001, 0.367, 0.435, 6.107, 0.188, 0.007, 0.007, 0.371, 0.012 mg/kg for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, As, Cd, Co, Cr and Pb respectively. In addition, human health risks were evaluated considering the estimated daily intake of heavy metals in adults. The target hazard quotient, hazard index and carcinogenic risk values were determined based on the frequency of fish consumption for the population living in the region. Result and conclusionThe highest quantities of all heavy metals were determined in the gills and liver of the fish species. The levels of most heavy metals in tissues did not differ significantly between both fish species. Only a few heavy metals in the tissues of both fish species demonstrated significant associations with fish length or weight. In terms of the levels of most of the heavy metals in the tissues, there weren’t any significant differences between the male and the female fish. The estimated daily intakes of all of the heavy metals were lower than the reference doses. The values of the target hazard quotient and the hazard index were found to be below 1 and the values regarding carcinogenic risk were assessed to be within or lower than the permissible levels. Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and inorganic As values assessed in the muscle tissues of fish were found below the values acceptable by national and international institutions. These results proved that the examined fish species can be consumed safely.

Evaluation of physico-chemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in muscles of Synodontis courteti and Mormyrus macrophthalmus from lower River Benue, Ibi, Taraba, Nigeria

Heavy metals concentrations in muscles of Synodontis courteti and Mormyrus macrophthalmus from lower River Benue, Ibi, Taraba state was examined. The heavy metals concentration in the species under consideration was studied with atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Bulk Model 210VGP scientific equipment. Results obtained confirmed the occurrence and levels of the following heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn) in muscles of the two commercially important species investigated. Recorded values of heavy metals in muscles of S. courteti and M. macrophthalmus overtime showed the metal concentrations ranking profile Pb >Cd >Cr >Cu >Zn > Mn were higher for S. courteti than M. macrophthalmus. Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) showed variation (p>0.05) in concentrations for both species November and December, exception of October. Heavy metal concentration of M. macrophthalmus showed less variation with location (p, Mn>, Pb>, Cu>, Cd>, Cr. Between location upstream and downstream. However all values recorded for the metals were within safe limit The levels of Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Mn, Zn in the Muscles of the species studied were below WHO/FAO and FEPA recommended limits in fish and fishery products. Lead (Pb) values was low throughout the study period in both species except for the month of October which was higher downstream. Though Pb, Cd and Cr Values was within the permissible limits recommended by FAO and FEPA for fish/fisheries products. This study also reported on some physico-chemical parameter of importance (temperature, pH, D.O., Electrical conductivity (EC) and TDS,) and they were found to be within acceptable levels for sustainable fish survival and growth. The need for continuous monitoring and conservation of the fish and fisheries resources of lower River Benue waters and the heavy metals content therein cannot be overemphasize.

Health risk assessment of heavy metal concentration in muscle of Chelon auratus and Chelon saliens from the southern Caspian Sea

Heavy metals are one of the most serious pollutants in aquatic ecosystems, and their accumulation in fish products causes harmful effects on human health. In this context, we set out to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in the muscle of two fish species of commercial interest, Chelon auratus and Chelon saliens on the south coast of the Caspian Sea. We aimed to assess the degree of environment contamination in this area and to estimate the potential risk to human health derived from the consumption of fish. The mean concentrations of the different metals analysed were very varied in both species. In fact, some concentrations exceeded the permissible limits for the protection of human health for Cd and Pb, and some values of As were above those referenced by other authors in same species in the Caspian Sea. None of the estimated daily intake values exceeded the tolerable intake based on the consumption under consideration. Nonetheless, the accumulative hazard values evidenced a potential risk to human health, Pb and Hg being those giving a higher target hazard quotient. The cancer risk from exposure to As from fish consumption in children was above the “acceptable” risk to life. Thus, in view of the accumulative nature of heavy metals, a moderate and non-abusive fish consumption in this area, particularly in children, would be recommendable.

Bio-accumulation and health risk assessment of heavy metals in different edible fish species from Hurghada City, Red Sea, Egypt

BackgroundHeavy metal contamination has become a serious issue in this century especially detected in fish organs. Due to the presence of radioactive compounds in agricultural and sewage effluent, which destroys aquatic ecosystems, threatening human livelihoods. Health hazards associated with low and high consumption consumers assessed in five commercial fish species collected from Hurghada City, Egypt, during winter and summer, 2020. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer technique used for determination heavy meals in different organs and expressed as μg/g wet weight. ResultsHeavy metal concentrations in muscle ranged between:(0.054–0.109), (0.260–1.043), (0.264–0.897), (5.895–11.898), (0.381–0.970), (13.582–29.133) and (0.332–0.589) µg/g for Cd, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu, Fe and Ni respectively, which were lower than those of gills and liver. These concentrations were within WHO, FAO/WHO, and EU standards. Consumption of edible species was lower than the (TDIs) established by the (JECFA) and Egyptian Standards. Even though THQ and TTHQ values were < 1 while, in children with highly consumer were> 1. ConclusionThis study concluded that intake of Red Sea fish is safe for human health. It is critical for consumers to be aware of the consequences of excessive fish consumption, particularly children with highly consumer, which represent possible health risks.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentration in Two Bony Fish (Catfish and Tilapia) from Orashi River in Rivers State, Nigeria

The research was intended to study the influence of human and industrial activities on the Orashi River and two bony fish (Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia nilotica). Three groups are observed to have impacted the environment – Oil/gas industries, tyre burning from abattoir, untreated human and animal waste from settlers and the abattoir. The study was carried out from September 2019 to August 2020. The mean concentrations of the parameters studied in some samples were close to or exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) and Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv) recommended limits for drinking water and seafood. The results from this study have provided information on the heavy metals profile on the fish of the river. The level of heavy metals in the muscle of Catfish and Tilapia showed a range of Cadmium in Catfish (1-3.9mg/kg and Tilapia (0.1-4.2mg/kg) with the highest level occurring in station 2 (3.47mg/kg for Catfish and 3.39mg/kg for Tilapia) which is high with regard to FAO 19835, FAO/WHO 10896, EEC 20054 permissible limit of 0.01mg/l and USEPA SQG (1mg/kg) level in seafood. The levels of essential heavy metals in fish muscle were Copper (Catfish-10.9-33mg/kg, Tilapia -17.3-40.6mg/kg), Iron (Catfish-1.0-2.5mg/kg, Tilapia -0.1-5.6mg/kg) were within the FAO 1983 permissible limit while Zinc (Catfish-22-213.2mg/kg) and Tilapia (30.1-196mg/kg) exceeds the limit in some stations. Catfish muscles recorded higher mean value (127.12mg/kg) for all heavy metals than tilapia (44.03mg/kg) and the sequence is Copper &gt; Zinc &gt; Iron &gt; Cadmium. The concentration of heavy metals in Orashi River is in the sequence: Sediment &gt; Catfish &gt; Tilapia &gt;Water. The Total Heavy metal concentration in muscle of Catfish (0.5-1.8mg/kg) and Tilapia (0.1-3.8mg/kg) were within permissible limit.

Comparison of the metal concentrations in muscle and liver tissues of fishes from the Erren River, Southwestern Taiwan, after the restoration in 2000

Metal concentrations in the muscle and liver tissues of fishes from the Erren River in southwestern Taiwan were analyzed to evaluate the pollution status after the completion of the restoration plan in 2000. It was the first time the tissue concentrations of 4 important elements, i.e. Fe, Mn, As and Hg, were reported in fishes from this area. Samples were collected in January 2002 at the junction of the Erren River and the Sanyegong River, the most polluted section of the river. Five fish species, Megalops cyprinoids (Indo-Pacific tarpon), Chanos chanos (milkfish), Liza macrolepis (large-scaled mullet), Mugil cephalus (striped mullet) and Orechromis sp. (tilapia) were collected. A total of 91 fishes were dissected and the muscle and liver tissues taken for analysis of seven metals, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, As, Hg and Cd, on a wet weight basis (mg/kg). Among them, Fe and Zn were the highest, followed by Cu, Mn and As, while the Hg and Cd concentrations were the lowest. Except for As and Hg, which showed higher concentrations in the muscle tissues than in the livers, the remaining elements showed higher concentrations in livers. Significant species differences were found in all elements and tissues. The highest concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in muscles were found in tilapia (4.04), striped mullet (4.38), large-scaled mullet (0.20) and milkfish (0.534), respectively. The highest concentrations of As and Hg were found in striped mullet (1.59) and Indo-Pacific tarpon (0.081), respectively. The highest concentrations of Fe (3122), Hg (0.045) and Cd (0.123) were found in livers of large-scaled mullet, while striped mullet had the highest concentration of Zn (77.6), Cu (78.2) and As (2.39). The level of Mn in tilapia was 1.32 mg/kg. The Zn, Cu and Cd concentrations of the muscles and livers were mostly 7-50% lower than the levels reported on the same species of the same tissue before the restoration indicating the improvement on the metal pollution status. The heavy metal concentrations in this area were similar to various uncontaminated areas around Taiwan and all were within the food standard levels of the FDA and NHMRC.

Heavy metal concentrations in tissues of marine fish and crab collected from the middle coast of Zhejiang Province, China.

Concentrations of the heavy metals As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in various tissues of five marine fish species and one crab species collected from the middle coast of Zhejiang Province of China were investigated in this study. The results indicated considerable variation in heavy metal concentrations in different tissues and species. Elevated concentrations of most heavy metals were identified in fish gills and crab gills and hepatopancreas, with some differences by heavy metal type. In addition, carnivorous and benthivorous fish species generally contained relatively high concentrations of heavy metals due to feeding habits and habitats. Geographical variations of heavy metal concentrations in muscle may be attributable to species-dependent differences and terrigenous contamination. The potential health risk assessment suggested that exposure doses of most heavy metals were safe for human consumption, with the exception of As.

Metal Concentration in Muscle and Digestive Gland of Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) from Two Coastal Site in Southern Tyrrhenian Sea (Italy).

Octopus vulgaris constitute an important part of most suitable marine resources for human consumption, however, they can represent a source in chemical contaminants intake such as heavy metals. In this scenario, the aim of the study was the evaluation of the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in the muscle and digestive gland of octopus caught from two different locations along Campania coast (Castellammare di Stabia and Napoli) and the estimation of their weekly human intake derived from the ingestion of octopus. Analysing 38 samples showed a higher concentration of Pb in the muscle of octopus in Castellammare di Stabia than in Napoli. No statistical differences were reported for Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations in the digestive gland of octopus between two sampling sites. Differences were observed between the two tissue types, with a higher level of Cd and Pb observed in the digestive gland compared with the muscle. Noteworthy, the consumption of muscle from Castellammare di Stabia could increase Pb intake in heavy consumers of local octopus. In conclusion, the present work determines that it is important to improve strategies to minimize environmental pollution sources in these areas.

Speciation and Bioavailability of Metals in Sediments from a Stream Impacted by Abandoned Mines in Maoshi Town, Southwest of China.

The speciation of metals in surface sediments, as well as metal concentrations in muscle and liver of sharpbelly Hemiculter leucisculus from a stream near the Mo-Ni polymetallic mines in Maoshi town were investigated. The results indicated that metal concentrations were generally highest in the most upstream sampling location that is closest to the former mine operation. The total concentrations of Mn in sediments were higher than other metals. The Cr was mainly associated with residual fraction, while the order of bioavailability of metals (sum of the concentrations of exchangeable, reducible, and oxidizable fractions) was as follows: Cd (89.95%) > Mn (82.32%) > Ni (45.58%) > Mo (29.39%) > Hg (29.23%) > As (22.60%) > Pb (17.38%) > Cr (6.21%). The Cd concentration in muscle of H. leucisculus exceeded the permissible limit which indicated that the fish from this area are not safe for human consumption. The potential ecological risks of Cd cannot be ignored in this study area.

Heavy Metal Concentration in Largehead Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savalai Hairtail (Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)) Obtained from Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan.

In this study, muscle samples gathered from Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savali hairtail [Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)] from the Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan were analyzed to determine heavy metal concentrations (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) between January and December 2016. All samples were analyzed using the AAnalyst 700 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the average measured level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in muscle were 77.72 ± 47.84µg/g, 20.34 ± 8.49µg/g, 2.23 ± 1.16µg/g, 0.57 ± 0.36µg/g, 0.20 ± 0.16µg/g and 0.42 ± 0.19µg/g for T. lepturus, respectively. Besides, the average level of the same metal concentrations in muscle for L. savala were 85.11 ± 57.64µg/g, 16.63 ± 9.25µg/g, 2.53 ± 1.90µg/g, 0.47 ± 0.27µg/g, 0.23 ± 0.18µg/g and 0.47 ± 0.20µg/g, respectively. The correlation between size groups and metal accumulation in muscle tissues were investigated for both fish. In terms of public risk assessment, the provisional tolerable weekly intake's of various heavy metals were compared with the consumption of both fish. As a result of the analysis, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd accumulations in muscle tissues of T. lepturus and L. savala collected from Karachi Fish Harbour Pakistan did not exceed limit values.

Heavy metals and metalloid distribution in different organs and health risk assessment for edible tissues of fish captured from Honghu Lake.

Honghu Lake is the seventh largest freshwater lake in China, and fishery is one of the most important economic sources for local inhabitants. Toxic metal concentrations in muscle of all analyzed fish species captured from Honghu Lake were generally below China standards, except Cr in crucian carp. The average concentrations were decreased in the following order, Zn (14.65 mg/kg) > Cr (1.25 mg/kg) > Cu (0.5994 mg/kg) > Pb (0.0884 mg/kg) > Cd (0.0069 mg/kg) > As (0.0007 mg/kg). There was no significant health risk in consuming fish captured from Honghu Lake, based on the analysis results of target hazard quotient (THQ), carcinogenic risk (CR), and estimated weekly intake (EWI). Mixed edible fish tissues consuming brought higher carcinogenic risks than muscle consuming. Pb was regarded as the major contributor of potential non-carcinogenic risk, while As of the potential carcinogenic risk. THQ set the most stringent allowed values of the average consuming amount of fish muscle at 1,316 g/d, while CR set the value of mixed fish tissues at 525 g/d.

Concentrations of mercury and other trace elements in two offshore skates: sandy ray Leucoraja circularis and shagreen ray L. fullonica

Trace metal concentrations in muscle and liver tissues from two offshore species of skate were examined. Concentrations of mercury in muscle of Leucoraja circularis (n=20; 23–110.5cm total length, 157–490m water depth) and L. fullonica (n=24; 28.5–100cm total length, 130–426m water depth) were 0.02–1.8 and 0.04–0.61mgkg−1, respectively. Concentrations of both As and Hg increased with total length. Only the largest specimen had a concentration of Hg in muscle >1.0mgkg−1. Data were limited for specimens>90cm long, and further studies on contaminants in larger-bodied skates could usefully be undertaken.

Bioaccumulation of selected metals in the gill, liver and muscle tissue of rednose labeo Labeo rosae from two impoundments on the Olifants River, Limpopo river system, South Africa

Metal concentrations in the gill, muscle and liver tissues of Labeo rosae from two impoundments, Loskop and Flag Boshielo dams on the Olifants River, were evaluated in 2011 to detect patterns in metal associations between tissues and impoundments. Elevated concentrations of Ba, Zn, B, Al, Si and Fe, relative to a pristine site in the catchment, were found in the muscle, liver and gill tissues at both impoundments. Molybdenum concentrations were exceptionally high in all tissues at Loskop Dam and in liver at Flag Boshielo Dam. No definite pattern in the ratio metal concentrations within, or between, fish tissues was identified. The expected trend, liver > gills > muscle, was found at both impoundments, but was less prominent at Loskop Dam. Metal concentrations in muscle of Loskop Dam fish were significantly higher than in those at Flag Boshielo Dam. The inverse was true for liver. The long-term impact of elevated metal concentrations on fish health at both impoundments raises concern.

Concentrations of trace metals in tissues of Chionoecetes crabs (Chionoecetes japonicus and Chionoecetes opilio) caught from the East/Japan Sea waters and potential risk assessment.

The concentrations of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were measured in muscle and hepatopancreas of two Chionoecetes crabs (Chionoecetes japonicus and C. opilio) caught from the East/Japan Sea (EJS) in order to assess the potential health risk by the consumption of deep sea crabs. The highest metal concentrations in muscle and hepatopancreas were As and Fe, respectively, while the lowest metal concentration in two tissues was Pb. The mean concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, and Pb in Chionoecetes crabs were one or two orders of magnitude higher in hepatopancreas than in muscles. The mean concentrations of As, Cu, and Hg in muscle and hepatopancreas were relatively higher in C. japonicus than in C. opilio. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of all metals in muscle were below 0.1% of the provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) adopted by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives. Similarly, the target hazard quotient (THQ) of all trace metals in muscle was less than 1.0. These results imply that Chionoecetes crabs caught from EJS do not have an adverse impact on the Korean health. Based on the mean metal concentrations, PTDI, and THQ, the daily maximum permissible intakes of C. japonicus and C. opilio were estimated to be approximately 240 and 410g/day, respectively.

Assessment of metal bioaccumulation in Mastacembelus armatus (eel) and exposure evaluation in human

Present study deals with the physico-chemical and metal (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) quantification in river Ganga water and bioaccumulation of metals in vital organs (gill, liver and muscle) of Mastacembelus armatus. River water quality indicated that industrial effluents may be prime source of metal pollution in river Ganga. Higher organosomatic index in fish samples from downstream revealed the impact of higher metal concentration on vital organs. Metal pollution index was found highest in gill followed by muscle and least in liver. Metal concentration in muscle was compared with the FAO permissible guidelines which revealed that concentration of Cr, Cu and Cd were many folds higher than the permissible guidelines. Effective ingestive dose was calculated to assess the adverse impact caused by dietary exposure of studied metals and it was found that concentration of Cr, Cd and Pb was higher than the permissible concentration given by USEPA.

Levels of Metals in Kidney, Liver, and Muscle Tissue and their Influence on the Fitness for the Consumption of Wild Boar from Western Slovakia

Due to environmental pollution, wild animals are exposed to various pollutants. Some game animals, such as wild boars are used by people for food, but their meat is not evaluated regarding pollution transfer, since they are unavailable on the official market. The aim of this paper is to present the concentrations of chosen metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) in the kidneys, liver, and muscles of wild boars (n = 40) hunted in eastern Slovakia, as derivatives of physiological distribution and anthropogenic pollution. We found that sex was not a statistically significant factor for metal concentrations. Tissue differences were observed for all the metals studied except for Co. Cd, Cu, and Hg showed the highest median concentrations in kidney tissue with the lowest in muscle tissue (2.73, 3.78, and 0.061 μg/g w.w., respectively). The highest Zn median concentration was noted in the liver tissue with the lowest in muscle tissue. Co and Cu concentrations varied according to the age groups. Correlations between metal concentrations in muscle and kidney tissue were not especially strong; such relationships were not found in liver tissue. Among all the potential relationships of the given metal concentrations between tissues, the only significant relationship, albeit weak, was noted for Pb in muscle and liver tissue. The concentrations found seem not to be extremely high, but according to EU maximum permitted residue levels for Cd and Pb concentrations in meat, none of the samples studied was fully fit for human consumption. TWI and risk was also excessive for both metals.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Water and Tissues of Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus Gibelio) Collected from Subsidence Pools in Huainan Coal Fields (China)

Heavy metals are an important class of chemical contaminants and food is a major vehicle for entry into the ecosystem. Crucian carp (Carassius auratus Gibelio) is an aquatic organism affected by metals and constitutes a major source of contaminated food in the subsidence area. Therefore, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc were determined in the water of subsidence pools and different tissues of Carassius auratus Gibelio. In addition, the metal concentrations in water and fish from this study were compared with national and international quality guidelines and literature values. The concentrations of metals in water were in the range of 4.05 to 15.49 µg L−1 for zinc, 3.03 to 5.43 µg L−1 for lead, 0.33 to 1.43 µg L−1 for cadmium, and 7.25 to 26.93 µg L−1 for copper, which are within the permissible levels for culturing fish. Metal concentrations in tissues (viscera, gills, and muscle) varied significantly depending on the site. In Carassius auratus Gibelio, the accumulation of metals was in the sequence viscera > gills > muscle. Metal concentrations in muscle (Zn, 8.63 to 10.5 mg kg−1; Pb, 0.12 to 0.36 mg kg−1; Cd, 0.005 to 0.01 mg kg−1; Cu, 1.14 to 1.77 mg kg−1) of Carassius auratus Gibelio were far below the permissible limits proposed by Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization and Chinese legislation, suggesting that the fish were safe for human consumption. Correlations between metal concentrations in tissues of Carassius auratus Gibelio and in water are also reported.

The Effect of Fish Size, Age and Condition Factor on the Contents of Seven Essential Elements in Anguilla anguilla from Tersakan Stream Mugla (Turkey)

The correlation coefficients between age, weight, total length and condition factor (K) and trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) in Anguilla anguilla were determined. Totally 160 fish samples were collected from Tersakan Stream (Mugla) between September 2011 and August 2012. Highly significant (P<0.01) relationship between trace metal concentrations in fish muscle and age, weight, total length and condition factor (K) was found. Significantly positive relationship among trace metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn) and fish age, weight and total length was observed, while all trace metal concentrations were negatively correlated with fish condition factor (K). The comparison of trace metal concentrations in the muscle of Anguilla anguilla with the tolerable values indicated that the trace metal concentrations in muscle tissue did not exceed the WHO/FAO, EPA and IAEA–407 guidelines.

Metal concentration in muscle of two species of flatfish from Santos Bay, Southeastern Brazilian coast

The aim of this study was to investigate metals in muscles of two species of flatfish, using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE). Specimens were caught monthly throughout the year 2005. Sampling was done at six points in the Santos Bay under different anthropogenic influences. Analysis of 56 samples of muscle showed detectable amounts of Al, As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Fe, Sr, Mn, Hg, Ni, Se and Zn. Except Cu, there were no correlations with the levels of sediment contamination by metals and those found in muscles. Moreover, there were significant differences between juveniles and adults concerning the concentration of Al, Mn and As. According to Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency, some elements detected in the samples of muscle were above of permitted by law for consumption: Hg and Pb (in samples from the internal area), As (from the west side) and Se and Cr (from east side of the bay).