Heavy metal levels in tissues (gonads and fillets) of Horse mackerel collected from Ghazaouet Bay (Western Mediterranean coast of Algeria)

Abstract

The concentration levels of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu were evaluated in the gonads and fillets of Horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus) collected from Ghazaouet bay. The results showed the accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in the gonads and fillets. The metal concentrations in the fillets and gonads decreased in the following order: Zn >Cd >Pb >Cu and Zn >Cd >Cu >Pb, respectively. The levels of essential metals (zinc and copper) in both target organs generally complied with the recommended value for fish while the levels of non-essential metals like cadmium and lead, which are toxic and present in traces, greatly exceeded the recommended values in both target organs, which are ascribed mainly to the industrial pollution in Ghazaouet area. Therefore, it can be concluded that these heavy metals in different tissues of Horse mackerel, which is highly consumed in the Algerian coastal regions, could pose adverse health effects on consumers.