Heavy metals in fishes from coastal waters of Cochin, southwest coast of India

98-100The concentration levels of copper, zinc, manganese and iron have been determined in marine fishes from Cochin area which is one of the major fishing zones along the west coast of India. The concentration of heavy metals varied from species to species. Copper, Zn, Fe and Mn showed increased levels in the gills and alimentary canal compared to the muscle. Difference in heavy metal concentration in various species studied is attributed to the varying feeding habits. The observed levels were below the toxic limit