Distribution of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in the Tissues and Organs of Psetta Maxima from Sinop Coasts of the Black Sea, Turkey

In the present study, turbot Psetta maxima were selected and analyzed for the Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd concentrations in the muscles, livers and gonads. The results revealed that Zn concentrations were the highest followed by Cu; Pb and Cd being the lowest in the tissues (muscle) and organs (gonads and liver). The liver metal concentrations showed the highest values, whereas the muscle concentrations were the lowest. A comparison between the concentration of each metal found in males and females found significant differences between the sexes for all metals. The liver concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were in the range of 46.89-57.21, 15.96-29.51, 1.75-4.09 and 0.19-0.44 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The gonad concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd were in the range of 37.81-44.11, 6.66-11.32, 0.21-0.34 and 0.14-0.27 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The muscle concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd ranged 18.56-35.33, 1.81-6.11, 0.07-0.21 and 0.016-0.046 mg/kg wet weight, respectively. The values obtained were compared the Turkish Food Codex and Commission Regulation (EC) maximum permitted levels in food. The present study demonstrated that estimated daily and weekly intakes of selected metals via consumption of fish were below the Permissible Tolerable Daily Intake (PTDI) and Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake (PTWI) values established by FAO/WHO