Survey of heavy metals concentrations (Zn, Cu, Cd and Fe) in various tissues of Caspian marin shad (Alosa braschnikowi) in the southern part of Caspian Sea (Babolsar)

This study to determine the concentration of heavy metals zinc, copper, cadmium and iron in skin, muscle, gill and gonad tissues of fish (Alosa braschnikowi) in Southern part of Caspian Sea (Babolsar) came into force in 1393. For this purpose, 70 piece fish were provided randomly in fishing net at two seasons in autumn and winter. After digestion of the samples, concentrations were measured by Flame Atomic Absorption. The results showed that the lowest average concentrations were in muscle tissue. The highest average concentration of iron, zinc and cadmium in gonadal tissues, but the highest concentration of copper was in the tissues of the skin. The concentration was respectively Zn> Fe> Cu> Cd. Significant differences were between the iron and zinc in muscle, gills, skin and gonads (p <0.05). As well as significant zinc in muscle and gonad (p <0.05). But in the skin and gonad was not significant (p> 0.05). Cadmium also significant in muscle and gill but no significant difference in muscle and gonad. Metals values obtained showed compared to international standards WHO, FAO UK., the average concentration of zinc in the skin and gonad tissue proved to be higher than standard UK (MAFF) and FAO. The average concentration of cadmium in all tissues proved to be higher than international standards.