Evaluation of Element Concentrations in Selected Economic Marine Fish Species in Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

This study aims to assess the concentrations of heavy metals—iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb)—in six economically significant marine fish species: Sardinella aurita (sardine), Sphyraena sphyraena (barracuda), Epinephelus costae (dusky grouper), Pagellus erythrinus (common pandora), Scomber japonicus (chub mackerel), and Oblada melanura (saddled seabream). A total of 18 specimens from each species were obtained from local fishermen at the Tripoli fish market. The average lengths and weights were as follows: sardine (19.22 cm, 60.17 g), barracuda (32.35 cm, 122.5 g), dusky grouper (25.02 cm, 190.17 g), common pandora (20.55 cm, 119.5 g), chub mackerel (24.35 cm, 139.17 g), and addled seabream (20.5 cm, 181.67 g). Heavy metal concentrations were measured using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). Results indicated that all detected concentrations were within internationally accepted safety limits, as defined by WHO, FAO, and EU standards. Among the studied metals, iron exhibited the highest concentration across all species, followed by zinc. The highest iron levels were recorded in Pagellus erythrinus, followed by Sardinella aurita, Oblada melanura, Scomber japonicus, Sphyraena sphyraena, and the lowest in Epinephelus costae. Similarly, Pagellus erythrinus showed the highest copper concentration, followed by Sardinella aurita, Oblada melanura, Scomber japonicus, Sphyraena sphyraena, and Epinephelus costae. Lead concentrations were highest in Sardinella aurita, followed by Epinephelus costae, Pagellus erythrinus, Oblada melanura, Scomber japonicus, and lowest in Sphyraena sphyraena. These findings confirm the safety of the studied fish species for human consumption and provide a valuable reference for environmental monitoring and public health risk assessment in the region.