Assessment of total mercury bioaccumulation in white and red muscle and liver tissues of Cyprinus carpio collected from Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir

Abstract

Previous studies showed that the level of mercury in Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir (SGR) was higher than limits established by the World Health Organization. Total Mercury (T-Hg) concentrations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues of Common carp as the most consumed fish in the region were investigated. For the first time the content of mercury in red muscle tissue was measured and compared with white muscle and liver tissues. During the July to December 2009, 24 Common carp were caught from SGR (4 samples per month). THg concentrations in above mentioned tissues were measured, using Mercury Analyzer. T-Hg concentrations variations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues were (123-458), (115- 455) and (107-303) ng g-1, respectively. Statically significant differences were found between three tissues. A significant monthly variations of T-Hg concentrations were observed within liver tissue samples. Fish weights in this ranged between 330.1 to 753 grams. T-Hg in white and red muscle tissues in all samples weighted above 500 grams were higher than the limits established by the EPA. Therefore, additional researches are needed to evaluate any potential effluence of this fish consumption on people health.