Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations (Copper, Cadmium, and Lead) in Tissues and Gills of Mullet Fish (Mugil Spp.) from Sousa Harbor, Libya

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in aquatic environments represents a major environmental and public health concern due to the toxic effects of these metals and their ability to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in mullet fish (Mugil spp.) collected from Sousa Harbor in eastern Libya. The analysis was conducted on two fish parts: muscle tissue and gills. Fish samples were collected, washed, dried, and subjected to wet digestion using nitric acid, sulfuric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The concentrations of heavy metals were measured using a Thermo Electron Corporation analytical instrument. Results indicated that the gills accumulated higher concentrations of heavy metals compared with the muscle tissues. The findings highlight the potential risk of heavy metal contamination in the marine environment and emphasize the importance of monitoring heavy metal levels in mullet fish for environmental and human health protection.