Heavy Metal Concentrations in Commercially Available Fishes in Gaza Strip Markets

Abstract

Concentrations of Zinc, Lead, Cadmium, Manganese, Copper and Nickel were determined in the muscles of six commercial fish species available in Gaza Strip markets, using atomic absorption spectroscopy after a modified wet digestion process. Three frozen imported fish species (Merluccius hubbsi, Micropogonias furnieri and Pangasius hypothalamus), two cultured species in local farms (Oreochromis niloticus and Sparus aurata) and one marine captured fish species (Mugil cephalus), were studied. Levels of metals in µg/g were as follows: Cu: 0.251-0.907, Zn: 3.705-20.535, Mn: 0.376-0.834, Ni: 0.453-0.978, Cd: Nd-0.09, Pb: Nd-0.552.All results were bellow the limits for fish consumption proposed by World Health Organization (1989, 1996) and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1995). Lead and cadmium concentrations in Micropogonias furnieri fish exceeded the limits in fish proposed by EC (2005). Mugil Cephalus accumulated the highest levels of Cu, Mn and Ni, while the highest levels of Zn, Cd and Pb were detected in Micropogonias furnieri. Transfer factor indicated that local fishes (Sparus aurata, Oreochromis niloticus and Mugil cephalus), accumulated heavy metals from water. Diet and sediment were considered as additional sources for heavy metals. The estimated maximum total dietary intakes of all metals from the studied fishes were below the maximum acceptable daily intake values set by WHO (1993) and USA National Research Council (1989). Results showed that according to metals levels, consumption of studied fish had no threat to consumers health.