Abstract

Objective: To determine the levels of six heavy metals in the liver and edible tissues of different sizes of Drepane longimana collected at Karachi fish harbor of Pakistan during fisheries seasons in 2016. Methods: The concentrations of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) were carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS, Aanalyst 700). Results: In muscle and liver tissues, Fe is detected in highest concentrations, followed by Zn, Cu, Mn, Cd and Pb. Concentrations of Cd and Pb of some individuals were not detected in the edible tissues. Large differences in these metal concentrations were observed between different tissues within each size of fish except Mn in 24–28 cm sizes. The liver of Drepane longimana accumulates significant higher levels of metals than those in the edible tissues. Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, the bioaccumulation of metals in the muscles of concertina fish did not exceed the permissible limits set for heavy metals by European Commission Regulation, Food and Agriculture Organization and Turkish Food Codex. It could be concluded that there is no risk in consumption of Concertina fish from Karachi fish harbor of Pakistan in 2016.

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