Concentration of heavy metals (Pb, Cd) in muscle and liver of Perca fluviatilis and Tinca tinca in Anzali Wetland, southwest of the Caspian Sea

Anzali Wetland is one of the most important aquatic ecosystems of Iran located at southwest of the Caspian Sea. This wetland is a habitat for valuable fish with vital role in life cycle of this ecosystem. Assessment of pollutants concentration is rational due to complications of determining biological effects in a habitat. The present study examined the concentration of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in muscles and livers of two fish species i.e. Perca fluviatilis and Tinca tinca collected from Anzali Wetland, and their relationships with fish size (length and weight). The results showed the highest concentration of metals in liver, and the lowest in muscle tissues of both species. Highest concentrations of Cd (0.09) and Pb (3.66) were recorded in liver tissue of T. tinca. The results also showed significant negative correlation between metal concentrations and fish size. Highly significant (P < 0.01) negative relationships were observed between fish length and Pb concentrations in liver of P. fluviatilis. Cd and Pb concentrations in liver of P. fluviatilis and Cd concentrations in the liver of T. tinca showed significant negative relationships (P < 0.05) with size factors. The concentrations of Pb and Cd were lower than the maximum acceptable concentrations for fish proposed by MAFF thus safe for human utilization.