[ survey on accumulated mercury in different tissues of silver carp [hypophthalmichthys molitrix] from Sanandaj Gheshlagh Dam]

ABSTRACT

There have been always concerns regarding to consumption of aquatic products, particularly fish, due to the possibility of heavy metals bioaccumulation in aquatic creatures organs, throughout the world. A research project was carried out to assess the level of concentrated total mercury in different tissues of Silver carp as the most consumed fish from Sanandaj Ghesglagh reservoir in the region. Twenty four Silver carp were captured randomly during July to December 2009. Prior measuring mercury concentrations in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues by Advanced Mercury Analyzer [Model; Leco, 254AMA] on the dry weight basis, biometry procedure was done. Mean accumulated mercury in white muscle, red muscle and liver tissues were 367 [S.E. +/- 26.43], 311 [S.E. +/- 32.22] and 251 [S.E. +/- 28.70] ng gr[-1] on the dry weight basis, respectively. Pair comparisons between the level of concentrated mercury in all tissues, except white muscle tissues [F5, 18 = 1.52, P = 0.2332] showed a significant difference [P < 0.05]. The level of accumulated mercury in muscle and liver tissues of all samples weighted above 850 grams were higher than the established limits by WHO, FAO and EPA. Our results emphasis that the consumption of silver carp from Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir might place the health of all those peoples who live in the region at risk