Heavy metals in grey mullet (Mugil cephalus)‎ fish collected from Barseque fish farm, el-Behera governorate-Egypt

Abstract EN

Heavy metals are the most harmful contaminants which affect people health.

The research objective of the present study was to determine the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in grey mullet fish collected from Barseque fish farm (Behera Governorate, Egypt).

Moreover, heavy metals were determined in irrigation and Barseque farm water.

Quality Index Method (QIM) scores showed good freshness condition of collected fresh fish.

Variations in chemical composition of grey mullet fish collected from fish farm during winter and summer were noticed.

Moisture content highly significant decreased in summer than in winter while fat increased in summer than in winter.

Electric conductivity significantly increased in irrigation and farm water in summer, while there was no difference in pH.

The results of heavy metals showed that the levels of Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu and Zn in different fish organs(liver, gills and muscles) were significantly higher in summer than winter, it was in the increasing order of liver>gills> muscles.

Cadmium and lead concentrations in irrigation water and farm water that detected during winter and summer season were higher than the maximum permissible limit according to WHO/FAO and Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and irrigation, law 48/1982.

Cadmium, copper, lead and chromium concentrations in irrigation water and farm water showed no significant difference between winter and summer but zinc were significantly higher in summer than winter.

Heavy metal concentrations that measured during winter and summer seasons in grey mullet fish organs were lower than the minimum acceptable daily intake recommended by WHO.

Generally, the values of metals in the fish muscles were accepted by the international legislation limits and are safe for human consumption.

On the other hand, it was strongly recommended not to eat head with gills or livers of fish.

Conclusively, a regular monitoring program of heavy metal is recommended for protecting these organisms, and to reduce the environmental risks.