Bioaccumulation of mercury in some organs of two fish species from the Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir, Iran

The purpose of this study was to monitor the concentrations of mercury in the edible muscle, gill, liver, and skin of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), in the Sanandaj Gheshlagh Reservoir, Iran. Mercury concentrations were assayed using Shimadzu AA 6600 atomic absorption spectrophotometer, and the results were given as µg/g wet weight. The level of mercury in organs of silver carp was higher than in common carp. Moreover, the highest and lowest level of mercury has been accumulated in the gill and skin organs respectively. The results showed that the maximum allowable fish consumption rate for an adult person with mean 71.5 kg body weight were 21 g/day base on g/day based on mercury levels. In conclusion, results showed that the mercury concentrations in the edible muscle of both fish species are below levels of concern for human consumption.