Distribution of Cu, Zn and Ni in Asian Swamp Eels, Monopterus albus from Bachok and Pasir Mas, Kelantan, Malaysia

Abstract

This work investigated the metal concentration in Asian swamp eel (Monopterus albus) tissues, from paddy cultivation areas in Kelantan. Five selected tissues, such as liver, gills, kidney, skin and muscle were examined for Zn, Cu and Ni concentrations. Zn concentration was found to be the highest in the liver of eels from Bachok and Pasir Mas, while Cu concentration was highest in the liver and kidney, respectively. In addition, non-essential metal like Ni was identified in high amount in the eel gills and kidney. However, low level of Zn, Cu and Ni concentrations were identified in the muscle tissues. Overall, Asian swamp eels from Bachok and Pasir Mas did not show much variation in Zn, Cu and Ni accumulation in the five selected tissues. Nevertheless, the deposition of agrochemical fertilisers and pesticides should be regularly controlled by responsible agencies to avoid any metal poisoning.