An Assessment of Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation in Asian Swamp Eel, Monopterus albus, During Plowing Stages of a Paddy Cycle

Abstract

Livers and muscles of swamp eels (Monopterus albus) were analyzed for bioaccumulation of heavy metals during the plowing stage of a paddy cycle. Results showed heavy metals were bioaccumulated more highly in liver than muscle. Zinc (Zn) was the highest bioaccumulated metal in liver (98.5 ± 8.95 μg/g) and in muscle (48.8 ± 7.17 μg/g). The lowest bioaccumulated metals were cadmium (Cd) in liver (3.44 ± 2.42 μg/g) and copper (Cu) in muscle (0.65 ± 0.20 μg/g). In sediments, Zn was present at the highest mean concentration (52.7 ± 2.85 μg/g), while Cd had the lowest mean concentration (1.04 ± 0.24 μg/g). The biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) for Cu, Zn, Cd and nickel (Ni) in liver tissue was greater than the corresponding BSAF for muscle tissue. For the three plowing stages, metal concentrations were significantly correlated between liver and muscle tissues in all cases, and between sediment and either liver or muscle in most cases. Mean measured metal concentrations in muscle tissue were below the maximum permissible limits established by Malaysian and U.S. governmental agencies, and were therefore regarded as safe for human consumption.

Seasonal variation of heavy metals and metallothionein contents in Asian swamp eels, Monopterus albus (Zuiew, 1793) from Tumpat, Kelantan, Malaysia

“…As for this current research, Cu and Zn were high in liver tissue due to MT; a binding protein [24] that stores metals so as to cater to the needs of enzymes and metabolic requirements [15, 25]. Zn was high in liver tissues across the four seasons due to essential biological needs [26] for fish samples taken from paddy fields in Tumpat [27]. Similarly, Zn was found in high concentration in gill tissues across the four seasons, mainly because this organ is the initial target of metals in water [28].…”

Metals and arsenic in fish from a Ramsar site under past and present human pressures: Consumption risk factors to the local population

“…Park and Curtis, 1997;Moiseenko and Kudryavtseva, 2001;Riba et al, 2005b;Jordanova et al, 2016). Metals accumulated in edible tissues of fish pose health risks to consumers (Rabitto et al, 2011;Tang et al, 2013;Sow et al, 2013). Indeed, the diet can be an important route of exposure in the case of populations indirectly exposed to mining activities (Fréry et al, 2001;Castro-González and Méndez-Armenta, 2008;Marrugo-Negrete et al, 2008;Zhuang et al, 2014).…”

Impact of Selected Heavy Metal (Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn) Concentration on Histological Changes of 2 Species of Estuarine Catfish (Small, Medium and Large Size) Arius thalassinus and Plotosus Anguillaris

“…Hence, the heavy metals are the hazardous inorganic and organic pollutants and the level of their concentrations in the aquatic organisms" body are clear indication of environmental pollution in the coastal area [6,7]. In Malaysia, several organisms have been proposed as bio-indicators, such as Perna viridis [8], Telescopium telescopium [9], oysters Isognomon alatus [10], Nerita lineata [3], Dotilla myctiroides [2], gastropods (Chicoreus capucinus) [11], Catfish (Hexanematichthys sagor) and Green Mussel (Perna viridis) [12], marine fish [13], Java medaka (Oryzias javanicus) [14] and Swamp eels (Monopterus albus) [15]. The response of these bioindicators are mentioned in the form of their changes (biochemical, physiological or behavioral) due to exposure and the bioavailability of pollutants that exist in the surrounding environment.…”

“…Fish is among the aquatic recipient of heavy metals and organic pollutants, thus impacting negatively on their biological functions as a result of a defensive mechanism through tissues and other vital organs. Fish is an important protein supply for Malaysians [15]. Several organs and tissues of fish like gills and liver [16,17], kidney [18] and muscle [8] were reported to have been altered due to heavy metals contamination through histological investigation.…”