PW08 Aquatic Ecotoxicology II
Exhibit Hall
8:00 AM - Wednesday
(PW133) Heavy metal accumulation in liver and edible muscle tissues of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus).
Randolph, J1, Howard, C1, 1 University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, TX, USA
ABSTRACT- Samples of edible muscle tissue and liver of red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) were analyzed to assess heavy metal (Hg, Cd, and Pb) concentrations present in the species found in the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Because of possible health effects related to human consumption of fish tissue containing high levels of heavy metals, accurate information regarding accumulation of heavy metals in edible muscle tissue of fish is essential for the protection of public health. Tissue samples were acid-digested using EPA method 200.3 and analyzed using ICP-AES for Cd and Pb in accordance with EPA method 200.7. Hg was determined using cold vapor AA (FIMS). Significant differences (ANOVA, p≤0.05) were observed among the concentrations of Hg found in muscle tissues of small versus large fish and medium versus large fish. No observed differences existed among the concentrations of Cd and Pb accumulation in the muscle tissues analyzed. Heavy metal concentrations in the muscle tissues were similar regardless of location of the sampling sites. Based on preliminary results, Hg concentrations appeared to exceed the U.S. maximum permissible limits for human consumption. Concentrations of Cd and Pb did not exceed the limits. Analysis of liver tissues is in progress. Red snapper from the northern Gulf of Mexico may constitute a risk for human health and this study adds to the database of current knowledge of heavy metal toxicity in the marine environment.
Key words: fish, heavy metals, Gulf of Mexico, red snapper