Determination of heavy metal (lead and cadmium) concentrations in liver and muscle tissue of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliiger Kanagurta) in Persian Gulf

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare heavy metal concentrations including lead and cadmium in liver and muscle tissues of Indian mackerel (Rastrelliiger Kanagurta) in Bandar Lengeh, Hormoz island, Hengam island and Kolahi regions. In current research, the influence of season, sex and size (length and weight) on Pb and Cd concentrations in Indian mackerel was investigated in these areas. Then Lead and cadmium concentrations in muscle tissues were compared with international standards for human consumption. Sampling was performed in summer and winter. Metal concentrations of organs were assessed by dry digestion method and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). Results showed that there are statistically significant differences between concentrations of lead and cadmium in liver and tissues of the fish in these regions (Bandar Lengeh, Hormoz, Hengam and Kolahi) (p<0.05), also concentrations of lead and cadmium have significant differences in summer and winter (p<0.05). The comparison of results of heavy metal concentrations with international standards including NHMRC, MAFF and WHO demonstrated that the amount of lead and cadmium is lower than allowable limits and doesn't have any problem for human consumption. Concentrations of Pb and Cd in both sexes of Indian mackerel have no significant differences (p>0.05). In addition, there is no correlation between lead and cadmium concentrations in muscle and liver of Indian mackerel with size (length and weight) (p>0.05).