Zinc Concentration in Tissues of Spangled Emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) Caught in Northern part of the Persian Gulf

Document Type : Original Articles

Authors

1 Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, G.C., Evin, 1983963113, Tehran, Iran

2 Iranian Fisheries Research Organization, Persian Gulf and Oman Sea Ecology Research Center

Abstract

Concentrations of zinc were determined in liver, muscle as an edible tissue and skin of a demersal fish, Spangled emperor (Lethrinus nebulosus) from fisheries stations in Bandar Abbas and Bandar Lengeh (Northern part of Persian Gulf) during autumn 2007 and spring 2008. After preparation of the samples and digestion with microwave, concentrations of zinc were determined using Flameless Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (THERMO FS95). The mean of fish weights were 1320.7g (308-3054) and the mean Zn levels in the liver, muscle and skin of all samples were 0.326 (0.039-0.856), 0.084 (0.041-0.265) and 0.0228 (0.0011-0.0508) μg/g dry weight, respectively.The positive correlations between liver weight and concentrations of Znin the liver (μg/g dw) were observed (p<0.05).There were significant differences between concentrations of zinc in the skin in regions, moreover between concentrations of zinc in muscle and skin in seasons (p<0.05). The mean Zn in different tissues was less than those reported from other regions of the Persian Gulf (Qatar, Oman and UAE). Based on the results, the Zn content found in the studied fish samples is no sufficient to cause toxic effects on human health when these fish are included in the diet.

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