Seasonal determination of heavy metal levels of anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.,1758) obtained from the Marmara Sea

Abstract

In this study, anchovy which are catched from the Marmara Sea were used as material. Muscle tissues were taken from fish samples and analyzed to determine of level of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn during catching season. According to result of ICP-MS analysis, other metals have been showed important changes, except Al, based on analysis time (October, December, February and April) (p<0,05). Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and  Zn metals were found in muscle tissue at all times of sampling. Based on the maximum amounts of heavy metals, although Al, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn were found in October and Ni was in April, the Cr element, unlike the other heavy metals has reached the highest value in December. Zn was reach maximum level in muscle tissue of anchovy. When heavy metal levels obtained were compared with national and international legal limit, analysis of results did not exceed the limit values were acceptable. As a result, it has been concluded that anchovy in the sampling area has not a threat in terms of public health.