HEAVY METALS ASSESSMENT IN THREE FISH SPECIES: BOOPS BOOPS, SARDINA PILCHARDUS AND TRACHURUS TRACHURUS FROM NORTH-EAST OF MOROCCO

This study aims to provide information on some heavy metal concentrations in the muscles of three fish species: Boops boops, Sardina pilchardus, Trachurus trachurus, in North-East of Morocco Market and to evaluate the possible risk associated with their consumption. The concentration of Cd, As, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Mn and Fe were evaluated in fish tissues by means of the total reflection X-Ray Fluorescence technique (TXRF) [Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (WD-XRF)]. The concentration of heavy metal measured in the fish species were expressed as ?g/g dry weight. In the present study, the heavy metals concentration in the muscles of fish species were less than the permissible levels specified for human consumption by the EU, FAO/WHO guidelines. For As it was at the specified limit set by USEPA2000. However, Ni and Mn had the highest level but there is no official limit for these two metals.