Determination of Heavy Metal Content (Cd, As) in Fish Widely Consumed in East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

South China Sea is an important source of marine fishes used as food to the population in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang). Recent fast pace of development contributed to the pollution to the marine ecosystem as well as marine fishes in this area. In this st...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Razak, Shariza Abdul
Format: Conference or Workshop Item
Language:English
Published: Universiti Sains Malaysia 2009
Subjects:
Online Access:http://eprints.usm.my/57460/
http://eprints.usm.my/57460/1/PROF%20MADYA%20SHARIZA%20ABDUL%20RAZAK.pdf
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Summary:South China Sea is an important source of marine fishes used as food to the population in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang). Recent fast pace of development contributed to the pollution to the marine ecosystem as well as marine fishes in this area. In this study, heavy metals (Cd and As) were analysed in the popular and widely consumed fish ( Selar boops, Rastrellinger branchysoma, Decapterus maruadsi and Sardinella sirm) by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The average metal concentration of Cd ranging from 0.05-6.93 mg/kg and highest concentration was found in the organ and lowest in the muscle. Concentration of As is in the range of 0.01-0.07 mg/kg and distributed evenly in muscle, bones and internal organ (livers). From this study, it might indicate that the fishes are still safe for consumption but caution must be adhered in order to reduce pollution in this sea.