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Hg, As, Cr, Sn, Ni, and Se concentrations in the muscle of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western Algerian stock

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Abstract

Muscle-metal (As, Se, Hg, Sn, Cr, Ni) levels were measured in little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western Algerian stock. Relationships between metal levels in the muscle tissues and fish fork length and total weight were examined. The accumulation of metals in muscle tissues varied in the following ascending order: Ni, Cr, Sn, Hg, Se, and As. The range of metal concentrations (mg kg−1/wet weight) were 1.2561–3.8562 (As), 0.6897–3.4123 (Se), 0.3852–1.4235 (Hg), 0.1569–0.6512 (Sn), 0.1254–0.4002 (Cr), and 0.0719–0.3122 (Ni). Significant variations (t > 1.96, p < 0.05) between metal concentrations were observed in muscle tissues of E. alletteratus. The concentrations of all metals investigated increase as the fish increased in size and total weight. Furthermore, the results of exponential regressions showed significant positive relationships (p < 0.05) between metal levels and fish size and weight. Average levels of heavy metals in muscle tissues of E. alletteratus were lower than permissible limits for fish consumption prescribed by FAO/WHO, EC, ASTDR, and USFDA.

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  1. Department of Marine Sciences and Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life, Abdelhamid Ibn Badis University, PO Box 300, 27000, Mostaganem, Algeria

    Mohammed Amine Ansel

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Fish was purchased from commercial fish markets and retail markets in western Algeria (Mostaganem, Chlef, Oran).

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Ansel, M.A. Hg, As, Cr, Sn, Ni, and Se concentrations in the muscle of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western Algerian stock. Biol Trace Elem Res 199, 3898–3904 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02514-z

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