Nickel and Vanadium in Sillago sihama and Terapon jarbua fish tissues in the southern area of Qeshm Island

This study has been performed to measure Nickel and Vanadium in Sillago sihama and Terapon jarbua fish tissues in Qeshm Island. Twenty four samples from each species were randomly selected in October 2015 in the southern area of the island. After samples were biometrically analyzed; muscle tissues, skin and the liver were separated and chemically digested by wet digestion. To measure the amount of heavy metals in the samples, ICP-0ES (model Liberty RL) was used. According to the results, the least amount of Nickel was found in Sillago sihama and Terapon jarbua was in the muscle tissues (643 mg/kg and 582 mg/kg respectively) and the highest amount was in the liver (5513 mg/kg and 2674 mg/kg), the least amount of Vanadium was observed in the muscle tissues (100 mg/kg respectively) and the highest amount was in the liver (752 mg/kg and 411 mg/kg). On the whole, Nickel and Vanadium levels in the tissues of both species from high to low in liver, skin, and muscle, respectively. Comparing the amount of metals in studied fish tissues suggests that in Sillago sihama and Terapon jarbua , there is no significant difference at 95% confidence level, between the metals in all three tissues (P≥0.05). Even though the average amount of studied metals in Terapon jarbua muscle and skin tissues is more than levels found in Sillago sihama, comparing the tissues of two fish species on the absorption of Nickel and Vanadium depicts no significant difference in the confidence level of 95%. To evaluate the safety of studied fish tissues for consumption, the amount of metals in the tissues compared to WHO standard (Ni: 380mg/kg, Pb: 500mg/kg) indicated no significant differences between the levels found in fish tissues and the recommended WHO standards. Based on the mentioned facts and calculation of the acceptable daily intake according to EPA, consumption of these fish species, regarding the health aspects, is confirmed.