Concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in Otolithes ruber (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) from Damb Fish Landing Centre at Sonmiani, Makran coast, Pakistan

Fish samples of Otolithes ruber (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) of various lengths (cm) and weight (g) were collected from Damb Fish Landing Centre at Sonmiani, Balochistan during 15th August 2009 to 15th April 2010. Total (56) fish samples were collected during the two major seasons Northeast Monsoon and Southwest Monsoon. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd were recorded in fish muscles. The mean concentration of Fe (4.23±1.38 μg/g), Mn (0.28±0.18 μg/g) and Cd (0.46±0.06 μg/g) were recorded in NE-monsoon. However Zn (3.34±1.19 μg/g), Cu (0.33±1.14 μg/g), and Pb (0.02±0.01 μg/g) showed highest concentration in SW-monsoon season. The results indicated that Fe concentrations were higher than other metals. Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) were performed in between seasons and metals, the significant difference was observed in Mn (P>0.01 at 0.05) and Pb (P>0.006 at 0.05) between seasons. The order of the metals in the fish samples based on concentrations in the tissues analyzed, as follows: Fe>Zn>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cd. Results concluded that the concentration of metals did not exceed the permissible limit of the food regulations of international standards. Hence there is no health hazards to humans consuming of O. ruber