Evaluation of concentrations of heavy metals (copper, mercury and arsenic) in the muscle tissue, liver and skin of Otolithes ruber and Sphyraena forsteri of the Oman Sea

Heavy metals, as one of the important groups of pollutants in the aquatic environment, enter aquatic ecosystems as a result of natural and human activities. These metals may be accumulated in the body of aquatic animals, including fish, and are a potential health hazard for ecosystems and living organisms, especially for humans. The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the concentration of three heavy metals mercury, arsenic and copper in the muscle tissue, liver and skin in two species of two species of Otolithes ruber and Sphyraena forsteri in the fishing ports of Konarak and Pozm.

36 fish samples were collected from Kanarak and Pezem ports. After preparing the samples, the concentration of heavy elements mercury, arsenic and copper was determined by the atomic absorption method. Data analysis was done using SPSS statistical software, version 20 and covariance tests and Pearson correlation test at a significance level of 0.05.

There was no significant difference between the amounts of the studied metals in muscle tissue, liver and inflamed and cauterized skin (p<0.05). The average concentration of heavy metals copper, mercury, and arsenic in the muscle tissue of Otolithes ruber 3.61, 0.01, and 0.02 respectively, and Sphyraena forsteri 2.38, 0.01, and 0.02 μg / g, respectively.

The concentration of heavy metals in the muscle tissue was lower than the international standards of WHO and FAO.