ENKELEDA OZUNI*, LULJETA DHASKALI, EGON ANDONI
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, ALBANIA
* Coresponding author e-mail: enkeledaozuni@hotmail.com
Abstract:
The aim of the study was to evaluate and monitor the concentration level of heavy metals namely, Hg, Pb, Cd and Cr in muscle tissue of Merluccius merluccius (European hake) species. The concentration level of heavy metals in muscle tissue was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The result of the investigation revealed that heavy metals are present in Merluccius merluccius at different concentration values. The distribution of metals followed this order: Cd>Cr>Hg>Pb. Moreover the result also indicate that the concentration level of Cd (0.3 mg/kg w w) in this specie exceeded the maximum permitted level for human consumption set by EC legislation. The data of this investigation indicate that Merluccius merluccius mast be object of further investigation, with the finality to safeguard the consumers health.
Keywords: Heavy metals, concentration level, Merluccius merluccius, muscle tissue;
