Abstract:

In this study we aimed to determine of heavy metal le-vels in gills, liver, kidney, spleen and muscle tissues of various fish species, Scomber japonicus, Caranx rhon-cus, Pegusa lascaris, consumed as nutrients and samp-led from Mersin Bay. These species of fish were chosen since they have high economic value and consumed as a protein source. Levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the tissues were determined using atomic absorption tech-niques. Heavy metal concentrations in sampled fish changed with different tissues, metals, seasons and ha-bitat. The highest accumulation rate of Zn was observed in spleen tissue whereas Cu were found to be accumu-lated highest in liver tissue samples. In addition it was observed that Cd was mainly accumulated in liver tis-sue whereas Pb was detected in gill tissue samples. Me-tal levels investigated in muscle tissue of the species are very low for human consumption, it has been determi-ned that they are acceptable levels according to the Tur-kish Food Codex.

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