Heavy Metals Residues Contaminating Nile and Marine Fishes

Abstract

Heavy metals are chemical elements which cannot be destroyed or broken down through heat treatment or environmental degradation resulting in a variety of human health hazard as lethal, sub lethal, acute and chronic toxicity. Therefore, this study was performed on 100 samples of fresh water fish (Clarias lazera & Oreochromis niloticus) and marine water fish (Sardina pilchardus & Pagrus pagrus) which were collected at different times from various fish markets in kafr El –sheikh governorate, Egypt, for determination and evaluation of their heavy metal residues by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The obtained results revealed that the mean values of mercury were 1.10±0.02, 0.89±0.01, 0.72±0.01 and 0.57±0.01 (mg/kg) in Clarias lazera, Oreochromis niloticus, Sardina pilchardus and Pagrus pagrus, respectively. While, the mean values of lead were 0.64±0.01, 0.49±0.01, 0.33±0.01 and 0.27±0.01 (mg/kg) in such examined samples, respectively .The public health significance and certain recommendations to control these serious pollutants were discussed.