Heavy metal levels in anchovy (engraulis encrasicolus L.) from Bulgarian Black Sea coast

Iliyan Manev, Hristina Neshovska, Veselin Kirov

Abstract: Determination of heavy metal levels in fish is a substantial indicator for the pollution degree in
a marine ecosystem. The levels of the elements As, Pb, Cd, Hg, Mn, Zn and Al were determined
in the total bodies of a commercially valueble pelagic fish Engraulis encrasicolus (Linnaeus, 1758)
captured from two of the most important fishing municipalities in the western Black Sea. Samples
were collected during the fishing season between June and September in 2020 from Varna and Burgas.
Metals were determined by using ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry). The
order of the levels of the heavy metals in the fish samples was Zn > Al > Mn > As > Hg > Pb > Cd
from Varna and Zn > Al > Mn > As > Hg = Pb = Cd from Burgas. The experiment results were
discussed by comparison with literature values. According to the results heavy metal concentrations
in anchovy tissues were within the limits set by the EC regulations.

Keywords: anchovy; bioaccumulation; Black Sea; fish; heavy metals

Date published: 2021-12-22