METALLIC CONTAMINATION IN MUSCLE OF THREE FISH SPECIES IN THE SOUTHERN ATLANTIC COAST THE LAÂYOUNE (MOROCCO)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess concentration of selected metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the muscle of three common southern Atlantic coast fish species (Pagellus acarne, Sardina pilchardus and Diplodus vulgaris). Furthermore, correlations among the selected metals and order of metal accumulation in the fish muscle were determined. Large scale fishing was used for collecting the fish from the southern Atlantic coast (Morocco) in January, March and June (2005). Concentrations of selected metals were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Significant correlations (P < 0.05) between Cr–Cu, Fe–Zn and Mn–Pb were observed. In our study, the heavy metals content in fish muscle of the three species did not exceed the upper limit allowed by European communities. On average, the order of metal concentrations in the fish muscle was: Zn>Fe>Ni>Cu>Mn>Cd>Cr>Pb