Investigating the amounts of some heavy metals in muscle and liver tissues of golden grey mullet (Chelon auratus) in the coasts of Guilan province

Abstract

Introduction: Mullets makes a significant part of the bony fish catch in the Caspian Sea. The entry of heavy metals in organic and inorganic forms into water resources and its bioaccumulation in edible fish is very important in terms of public health. Materials & methods: During fishing season of 2022-2023, 27 mullets (Chelon auratus) were prepared from the fishing area in the Caspian Sea in Guilan province in order to determine the number of heavy metals in the muscle and liver tissues using spectrophotometer ICP-OES device. The purpose of this study was to compare the number of heavy metals measured with the valid international standards of WHO, FAO, MAFF and European Union. Results: For arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc and iron heavy metals, the average results were measured 0.377±0.323, 0.127±0.086, 0.182±0.077, 0.125±0.075, 0.432±0.481, 2.420±2.550 and 6.870±9.170 μg/gr respectively in the muscle tissue of golden mullet. Measuring the amount of these heavy metals in the liver tissue of the examined fish and comparing it with the muscle tissue showed that in all cases, the accumulation of metals in the liver is higher. Conclusion: Comparison of the heavy metal accumulation investigated with international valid standards showed that in all cases the amount of these heavy metals in the edible tissue of fish (muscle) is lower than the standard of the WHO, FAO and MAFF. In comparison with the standard of the European Union, except for two metals arsenic and cadmium, the accumulation of other heavy metals investigated in the muscles of golden mullet of the Caspian Sea was within the standard range.