Comparative study on trace metal accumulation in the liver of two fish species (Torpedinidae): concentration-size relationship

Abstract

Abstract: Metal concentrations (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni) were measured in the liver of two fish,Torpedo nobiliana (electric ray) and Torpedo marmorata (marbled electric ray), from theMediterranean Sea in order to comparatively investigate their current pollution status. Maximum-1 w. w.), while marbled electric ray- -1 w. w.) and As (mean: 32.64-1 w. w.). The metal concentrations are similar to those reported in literature, except for Cd, As andNi. Hg concentrations increased with increasing fish body length in both species, whilst no significantconcentration-size relationship was found for other metals. To the best of our knowledge this is thefirst report providing information on trace metal levels and relationship between concentration andsize of these cartilaginous fishes. Future studies on the concentrations and effects of environmentalcontaminants in various torpedinid species are surely needed.[...