In this study we analyzed the pattern of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) accumulation in liver (as a detoxifying organ) and muscle (as the most important tissue for human consumption) of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and European eel (Anguilla anguilla) caught in two wild Spanish rivers where both species are usually angled for human consumption. Cd, Pb, and Cu accumulated preferentially in the liver of both species. Hg accumulated both in the liver and muscle in brown trout, whereas it accumulated preferentially in muscle in European eel. Both high metal content and preferential accumulation of Hg in muscle suggest that European eel is more harmful than brown trout for human consumption.
Copper, lead, and cadmium pollution were measured in water and sediments of two Northern Spanish rivers: Piles and Pigäeña. Liver contents of these heavy metals were analyzed in two fish species (eel, Anguilla anguilla, and brown trout, Salmo trutta) collected from the same locations. Significant levels of heavy metal pollution were found in a 38% of fish that are potential catches for sport fishermen. The results indicate that adult eel could be a good metal bioindicator if sampled at a homogenous age. In contrast, brown trout could be considered as a bioindicator only during the first year of life.
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