Fish as a health food – ecotoxicological viewpoint

Abstract

Fish body metal (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Al, Cr, Ni, Fe, Mn, Sr, Co) contents measurements, target organ and tissue distribution pattern analysis, bioaccumulation and biomagnification studies have been undertaken on a wide range of fish species belonging to various trophic levels within fish community from the Tikvesh reservoir in the R. Macedonia. The results of the current study indicated liver, kidney and gonads as target organs for metal accumulation and muscles as the tissue with the lowest concentrations of metal residues. Fish caught throughout 2006-2008 in the investigated area could be recommended as health food concerning metal burden as Macedonian alimentary standards for Cd and Pb in edible tissues have not been exceeded.