Heavy metals contamination in silver, common and grass carp caught from Zarivar Lake, western Iran

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the level of contamination of three heavy metal (Cd, Hg and As) concentrations in the muscle tissue of three important hunting species includes Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio and Ctenopharyngodon idella caught from the Zarivar Lake during 2013. Concentrations of Cd and As were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry and Concentration of Hg was measured using a direct mercury analyzer after acid digestion. Metal levels measured in silver carp were in the following ranges (μg g⁻¹): Cd 0.056-0.091, Hg 0.009-0.019 and As 0.003-0.013. Metal ranges in common carp were (μg g⁻¹): Cd 0.044-0.093, Hg 0.03-0.011 and As 0.004-0.006. Metal level ranges measured in grass carp were (μg g⁻¹): Cd 0.004-0.012, Hg 0.025-0.041 and As 0.009-0.013. Significant differences in metal concentrations were found among fish species. The results presented on metal contents in the examined species give an indication of the environmental conditions. Concentrations of Cd, Hg and As obtained were far below the established values by the European Community regulations and FAO/WHO. Therefore, their contribution to the total body burden of these heavy metals can be considered as negligibly small.