Evaluation de la contamination chimique par les métaux traces (cd, pb, hg et zn) du zooplancton et de la Sardinelle (Sardinella aurita) dans le golfe de Tunis

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the bioaccumulation of trace elements (Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn) in Sardinella aurita (pelagic fish) and zooplankton from the gulf of Tunis. The analysis of Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn were carried out in three organs (liver, gills and muscle) of Sardinella aurita and in zooplankton and were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The obtained results indicate that Sardinella was more contaminated by trace elements than zooplankton in the gulf of Tunis. This difference could be related to the food chain position occupied by this fish. The liver of Sardinella has the highest level of cadmium, but the gills are the main organ which accumulate Pb, Hg and Zn. Trace metals in the edible parts of Sardinella aurita¸ from the gulf of Tunis were in the safety levels for human uses.