Trace Metal Concentration in the Liver Tissues of Four Fish Species from Alexandria Coastal Waters, Egypt PDF

Keywords

Alexandria, coastal waters, fish species, liver tissues, concentration, metals, lipid, biologically essential

Abstract

Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni). Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) metals were detected in the liver tissues of four fish species: planktivorous Round Sardinella (Sardinella aurita), herbivorous Marbled spine foot (Siganus rivulatus) and the omnivorous Two banded sea bream (Diplodus vulgaris) and carnivorous sparid fishes Bogus (Boops boops), which are subjected to various types of terrestrial fallout, and caught from the coastal waters of Alexandria. Results indicate that these metals occur at high levels. Selecting liver for this study, a significant organ in toxicological processes including storing, metabolizing and mination of body toxins, was based on its situation as a detoxification center and its important function as a site of minimizing pathological effects induced by contaminants A pronounced increase in the liver content of tested fish species from unessential contaminant metals such as Lead (Pb). Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr) and Cadmium (Cd) was noticed in spite of their limited regulation and slow excretion from marine organisms. The common biologically essential elements: Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Manganese (Mn), which are under haemostatic control were found in relatively higher values Good correlation of some liver metal concentrations such as Copper (Cu) Lead (Pb). and Chromium (Cr) was found with the corresponding lipid contents. In addition, the liver metal accumulation from the ambient surrounding waters was calculated for the four fish species studied. A clear relationship was found between biomagnifications of trace metals in the liver tissues and their feeding habits.