Evaluation of heavy metals in different tissues of red mullet

The concentration levels of mercury, lead, cadmium and chrome were measured in muscle and liver tissue of Red mullet (Mullus barbatus). Fish samples were collected and purchased from the main fresh fish market of Tirana. A total of 40 samples of muscle and liver tissue were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the study showed that Hg levels (p=0.001) varied significantly between tissues of Red mullet samples. Based on the results concentration level of Hg, Pb and Cr measured in muscle samples tissue resulted to be within the permissible levels for human consumption set by EC legislation. Cadmium made an exception (0.09 mg/kg ww). The results of our study give important information on heavy metal contamination of Red mullet tissues. Furthermore, the data suggests that Red mullet should be the object of further monitoring with the aim to safeguard Tirana consumers' health from heavy metals contamination. (author)