Research Article

Heavy metal residues in local and imported fish in Egypt

Fatma H.M.Ali1, Nasser S. Abdel-Atty1, Jehan M.M. ouf2 and Marwa A.S.Moustafa3.
Meat Hygiene Dept., Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benisuef University,Egypt

Abstract

A total of 100 random muscle samples of Oreochromis niloticus, Claries lazera, imported Mugil cephalus and Scomber scombrus fish (25 of each) were collected from different markets in Fayoum City for determination of lead, cadmium, copper and mercury residual levels to ascertain whether these levels exceeded the prescribed legal limits. The mean mercury levelin the edible muscles tissues of fish species were ranged from below detectable level to 0.29 ppm in local fish and to 0.28 ppmin imported fish. The residual levels were not exceeded the prescribed legal limits of Commission Regulation (E.C). The highest mean levels of cadmium were recorded in Mackerel (0.119 ± 0.060, ppm) which exceeded the permitted values stipulated by Commission Regulation (E.C). Mostly samples in this study contained copper within of the general guideline limit for copper in food. The highest mean levels of lead were also recorded in Mackerel (0.477±0.073 ppm) which exceeded the permitted value stipulated by Commission Regulation (E.C). The results were evaluated according to International standards of WHO and EC and Provisional tolerable weekly intakes would also be used in this study to assess the relative safety of Fayoum fish markets.The public health significance of heavy metal residues in such fish was discussed.

Keywords

Heavy metals, Oreochromis niloticus, Claries lazera, Mugil cephalus, Scomber scombrus.