Heavy metal residues in some fresh Egyptian fishes

ABSTRACT

A total of one hundred and twenty fresh fish samples were randomely collected from Giza and Cairo markets [60 of each; 20 of Tilapis nilotica, Mugil cephalus and Bagrus bayed] to estimate the concentration of Mercury [Hg], lead [Pb], cadmium [Cd], and zinc [Zn]. Residues in flesh of the above mentioned fresh water fishes were estimated by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer [AAS]. The obtained results indicated that the mean values +/- S.E of Hg in examined Tilapia nilotica, Mugil cephalus and Bagrus bayed were [2.2 +/- 0.26 and 2.1 +/- 0.92, 2.01 +/- 0.71 and 1.1 +/- 0.88, 0.115 +/- 0.015 and 0.021 +/- 0.042 ppm] in Giza and Cairo Governorates respectively. Also Pb residues were [1.015 +/- 0.5 and 1.1 +/- 0.84, 1.8 +/- 0.61 and 1.9 +/- 1.01, 1.12 +/- 0 .13 and 0.321 +/- 0.14 ppm] respectively. While the Cd values were [0.85 +/- 0.11 and 1.09 +/- 0.416, 3.1 +/- 0.72 and 2 +/- 0.92 .2.51 +/- 1.51 and 0.62 +/- 0.32 ppm] respectively. Concerning Zn values, they were [12.72 +/- 1.21 and 10.2 +/- 0.51, 12.05 +/- 1.15 and 10.7 +/- 0.63, 11.02 +/- 0.5 and 10.86 +/- 0.119 ppm] respectively. The obtained data were evaluated according to the permissible limits of FAO/WHO [1992] and E.S.S No. 2360 issued by Egyptian Organization for Standardization and Quality Control [EOSQC] [1993]. The public health significance and suggested precautions for minimizing the level of such heavy metals in food were discussed