Bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in muscle tissue of Leaping Grey Mullet (Liza saliens) from the Gomishan International Wetland

Heavy metals are non-biodegradable and tend to accumulate in tissues of organisms such as fish. Considering the various health risks and the nutritional benefits associated with fish consumption; assessment of heavy metals in fish tissues is important. The present study aims to measure and assess lead and cadmium concentrations in the muscles of Liza saliens from the Gomishan International Wetland. We collected 23 Liza saliens samples from 9 stations in different locations. The muscle samples were prepared by acid digestion (HNO3 and HCLO4) for analysis by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). Mean concentration of cadmium was 163.26 ± 35.82 and lead was 12.46 ±8.62 μg/g dry weight. No significant correlation existed between lead and cadmium concentrations with body weight. The highest concentrations of these metals were detected in stations of the west and center of wetland that seemed to be caused by the transfer of pollutants from the Caspian Sea to the wetland. The concentration of cadmium and lead were lower than the standard levels suggested by WHO, FAO, UK (MAFF) and NHMRC. Currently, no risk to human health from the consumption of fish tissue was not determined. Therefore, consumption of Grey Mullet does not have any risk to human health.