Heavy Metals in Edible Tissue of Red Mullet from Tirana Market

Abstract

High levels of heavy metals in seawater deputize a warning for public health and environment. The purpose of the study was to monitor and evaluate the concentration levels of heavy metals in edible sample tissue of Red mullet. A total of 40 of muscle sample tissue of Red mullet purchased directly from the local fresh fish market of Tirana was utilized to determine by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the study showed that mercury (p=0.049) and lead (p0.001) concentration levels varied significantly between samples of Red mullet with different weights. According to the results concentration level of mercury and lead measured in muscle samples tissue resulted below the maximum permitted levels for human consumption set by EC legislation. High levels of cadmium made an exception (0.44 mg/kg wet weight). The results of the monitoring study give relevant information on heavy metal contamination of fish species with commercially interest such a Red mullet. The results of the monitoring process suggest that Red mullet should be object of further monitoring with the goal to protect Tirana consumer’s health from heavy metals contamination