Accumulation of Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury in Different Organs of Three Tuna Fish Species from Coastal Zone of Cote d’Ivoire

Heavy metals are dangerous to aquatic organisms and it can be bioaccumulated in the food chain leading to diseases in humans. Cumulative effects of metals or chronic poisoning may occur as a result of long term expose even to low concentrations. The accumulation of heavy metals conditions depending upon the species, environmental conditions and inhibitory processes. Considering the human health risk due to the consumption of fish, the concentration of three heavy metals lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) are investigated in six organs (muscle, kidney, liver, gonads, brain, and gills) of tuna fish species (Katsuwonus pelamis, Thunnus albacares, Thunnus obesus) samples collected from the coast zone of Cote d’Ivoire. The results showed that the highest concentrations of the three metals (Cd, Pb, Hg) were observed in the gills and the liver. The organ less contaminated was the gonads. The mercury was accumulated preferentially in the gills, kidney, and muscle, while the cadmium and the lead were accumulated respectively in the liver and the brain. These metal concentrations were below the limits set by the world health organization (WHO).