LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS (HG, PB, CD, AND CR) IN TISSUES OF TRACHURUS TRACHURUS

The study was carried out to monitor the concentration level of mercury, lead, cadmium and chrome in different tissues of Trachurus trachurus (Horse mackerel). The concentration level of heavy metals was measured by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Concentrations of heavy metals in muscle tissue and liver of this animal ranged as follows: Hg 0.032-0.106; Cd nd-0.067 mg/kg wet weight; Pb and Cr resulted always below the detection level (nd) in all tissue samples. According to the results the concentration levels of heavy metals measured in the muscle tissue was lower than the maximum permitted level for human consumption set by EC and Albanian regulation. The results obtained from the study indicate that heavy metal levels are in acceptable limits, so this product can be used as food for human consumption.