Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Muscle and Liver of Shark (Chiloscyllium punctatum) in Khor Musa

In this study, the levels of heavy metals (mercury, zinc, copper, cadmium and lead) were measured in the liver and muscle tissues of Bamboo Shark in Khor Musa. Method: To do the process, after drying and digestion of samples, the concentration of mercury samples was measured and it was found that the level of whole metals in liver was higher than in muscle. The metal concentrations in liver and muscle tissue were obtained according to the following order Zn> Cu> Hg> Pb> Cd and Zn> Hg> Cu, respectively. The concentration of two nonessential metals, cadmium and lead, was not detected in muscle. There was a significant difference between the level of metals in liver and muscle. Also, level of mercury in liver and muscle showed a direct correlation with shark's weight and length. Conclusion: Comparison of metal concentrations in liver and muscle with various world standards indicated that only the level of mercury is higher than standard limits. High accumulation of mercury in the animal's body is likely originated from mercury sources such as petrochemical plants. Hence, considering all the obtained data, it is highly advised to have a constant monitoring over the aquatic animals, certainly edible ones, existing in the area.