Heavy Metals in the Three Fish Species from Honaine Bay in Western Part of Algerian Coast

Abstract

Contents of heavy metals have been detected in the gonads, muscle, liver and gill of three fish species (Sarpa salpa, Diplodus vulgaris, Trachurus trachurus) in of Honaine coast (in the western coast of Algeria) subsequently the relationships between fish size (length and weight) and metal concentrations in the tissues were investigated by linear regression analysis. The concentrations of some metals in some tissues exceeded the acceptable levels for a food source for human consumption. The results of this study showed that the metals present in the bay were taken up by three fish species through food and water, and regardless of their biological needs showed high metal concentrations. The highest values were found in the liver of Trachurus trachurus (TT). The highest copper concentrations were found in the gonads of Diplodus vulgaris (DV) and the highest nickel concentrations are found in the gonads of Sarpa salpa (SS), The results of a linear regression analysis showed that, except in a few cases, a significant relationship between metal concentrations and fish size were negative. A highly significant (P< 0,001) negative relationship was found between fish length, and zinc, lead and copper concentrations in liver, gill and cadmium concentration in liver of Sarpa salpa (SS), zinc and copper concentration in gill of Diplodus vulgaris (DV) and zinc concentration in gonads of Trachurus trachurus(TT).