Evaluation of Lead, Cadmium, Arsenic and Mercury Heavy Metal Residues in Fish, Shrimp and Lobster Samples from Persian Gulf

Severe discharge of sewage and industrial effluents into the Persian Gulf causes the deposition of various types of heavy metals and especially lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in the muscles of marine animals. The present study was carried out to evaluate the concentration of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in the fish (Scomberomorus commerson), shrimp (Fenneropenaeus indicus) and lobster (Panulirus homarus) samples from Persian Gulf. All of the samples were collected from the shopping centers in the Boushehr city. Weight and length of samples were measured and recorded. Concentrations of lead, cadmium, arsenic and mercury in fish, shrimp and lobster samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Average length and weight of collected samples were 46.9±2.68 cm and 642.237±52 g for fish, 18.88±1.67 cm and 45.779±4.51 g for shrimp and 22.3±2.13 cm and 203.098±20 g for lobster. Heavy metals concentrations in fish samples were 91.67±9.21 for lead, 49.00±4.77 for mercury, 60.37±7.07 for cadmium and 101.33±9.85 μg/g for arsenic. Lead, mercury, cadmium and arsenic concentration ranges were 64-93, 104-135, 18-34 and 211-265 μg/g in shrimp and 260-390, 71-130, 114-348 and 118-318 μg/g in lobster, respectively. ANOVA test showed significant statistically differences (P<0.05) between the type of seafoods and concentration of heavy metals. However, the levels of toxic elements were less than allowable concentrations but consumption of the contaminated seafoods with low levels of heavy metals may be harmful for human health.