Determination of Heavy Metals in Black Sea Whiting Fish (Merlangius merlangus, Linnaeus, 1758) Species

Q: What are the highest heavy metal concentrations found in whiting fish tissues?

The study found the highest concentration of Fe at 916.67±77.19 µg.kg-1 in gills, followed by liver and visceral organs. In gonad tissue, Zn was the most concentrated at 418.75±54.11 µg.kg-1.

Q: How do heavy metal levels in the Black Sea whiting compare to FAO standards?

Heavy metal concentrations in whiting fish tissues were generally below FAO standards for public health. Specifically, Cu and Zn levels in muscle tissue were lower than the permissible limits of 30 µg.g-1.

Q: What sampling methodology was used to assess heavy metal accumulation in whiting fish?

Fish samples were collected from commercial fisheries along the Sinop coasts between September and December 2011. Each sample underwent digestion with concentrated nitric acid, followed by analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.

Q: Which heavy metals showed significant correlation in whiting fish tissues?

The study revealed a strong positive correlation (p<0.01) between Mn and Fe concentrations. Additionally, high positive correlations were observed between Mn and Co, while negative correlations existed between Cu and Zn.

Q: What implications do the findings have for environmental health in the Black Sea region?

The results suggest current heavy metal concentrations in muscle tissues pose no immediate risk to human health. However, the accumulation in other tissues, particularly gonads, signifies a need for ongoing monitoring and environmental controls.

Oylum Gokkurt Baki1; Birol Baki

doi:10.5296/EMSD.V11I4.20162

Determination of Heavy Metals in Black Sea Whiting Fish (Merlangius merlangus, Linnaeus, 1758) Species

Birol Baki

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Abstract

The Black Sea is surrounded by numerous industrial and agricultural areas. Therefore, many land-based pollutants are released into the Black Sea. Discharge of industrial and agricultural untreated wastewater to the Black Sea from a single source or scattered sources has been reported.The current study aimed to determine the concentration values of some heavy metals in the tissues of whiting fish (Merlangius merlangus, Linnaeus, 1758), one of the economical demersal species of the Black Sea. Accordingly, the accumulation concentrations of heavy metals including manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) were investigated in muscle tissue, gill, gonad, liver, and other visceral organs (except liver) in whiting fish samples.Heavy metal concentrations determined in the muscle tissue, which are particularly important for human consumption and health were sorted as Fe>Zn>Cu>Co>Mn and the concentration values of metals were 82.84±7.11; 50.45±12.24; <0...

Key takeaways

AI generated

The study assesses heavy metal accumulation in Black Sea whiting fish, vital for public health.
Iron (Fe) concentrations were highest across all tissues, particularly in liver (916.67 ± 77.19 µg/kg).
Heavy metal levels in muscle tissue are generally below FAO/WHO safety standards.
Whiting fish consumption in Turkey increased from 8,122 tons in 2011 to 8,700 tons in 2020.
Tissue-specific accumulation varies, with gills showing the highest total metal concentration.

FAQ's

AI generated

What are the highest heavy metal concentrations found in whiting fish tissues?add

The study found the highest concentration of Fe at 916.67±77.19 µg.kg-1 in gills, followed by liver and visceral organs. In gonad tissue, Zn was the most concentrated at 418.75±54.11 µg.kg-1.

How do heavy metal levels in the Black Sea whiting compare to FAO standards?add

Heavy metal concentrations in whiting fish tissues were generally below FAO standards for public health. Specifically, Cu and Zn levels in muscle tissue were lower than the permissible limits of 30 µg.g-1.

What sampling methodology was used to assess heavy metal accumulation in whiting fish?add

Fish samples were collected from commercial fisheries along the Sinop coasts between September and December 2011. Each sample underwent digestion with concentrated nitric acid, followed by analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry.

Which heavy metals showed significant correlation in whiting fish tissues?add

The study revealed a strong positive correlation (p<0.01) between Mn and Fe concentrations. Additionally, high positive correlations were observed between Mn and Co, while negative correlations existed between Cu and Zn.

What implications do the findings have for environmental health in the Black Sea region?add

The results suggest current heavy metal concentrations in muscle tissues pose no immediate risk to human health. However, the accumulation in other tissues, particularly gonads, signifies a need for ongoing monitoring and environmental controls.

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References (15)

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