SummaryThis study was conducted to determine the levels of some nonessential potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) (Ag, Al, As, Ni, Sn) of some economically important seafood species (Mullus barbatus, Linnaeus, 1758, Mugil cephalus, Linnaeus, 1758, Panaeus semisulcatus, De Haan, 1844 caught in the Gulf of Antalya Mediterranean Sea by using ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optic Emission Spectrophotometer). The averages and the standard deviations of the results of the samples were determined as Ag (0.030±0.017 mg/kg), Al (12.163±7.298 mg/kg), As (0.269±0.121 mg/kg), Ni (0.084±0.067 mg/kg), Sn (0.022±0.003 mg/kg) for the Red Mullet (M. barbatus), Ag (0.038±0.024 mg/kg), Al (11.120±4.019 mg/kg), As (0.140±0.082 mg/kg), Ni (0.060±0.050 mg/kg), Sn (0.022±0.003 mg/ kg) for the Grey Mullet (M. cephalus), Ag (0.032±0.029mg/kg), Al (20.924±9.829 mg/kg), As (0.249±0.116 mg/kg), Ni (0.124±0.102 mg/ kg), Sn (0.026±0.004 mg/kg) for the Green Tiger Prawn (P. semisulcatus). The determined levels of trace elements were below the available daily intake limits except Al. Also evaluation of other studies conducted in the Gulf of Antalya, Al levels are higher. These results showed that, although increasing the legal rules about environmental pollution, seafood species which caught from the Gulf are exposed to Al in a higher rate.
