Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine heavy metal residues in Mugil cephalus and shrimp collected from the markets of Hurghada (city), Egypt.
Methods: A total of 50 Mugil cephalus and 150 frozen shrimp samples were collected from the Markets of Hurghada. Samples were analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry for determination of lead, copper, zinc, and cadmium.
Results: The lead level in Mugil cephalus ranged from 0.000 - 0.718 ppm, with a mean value of 0.158 ppm. Lead levels in shrimp ranged from 0.000 - 1.328 ppm, with a mean value of 0.281 ppm. Cadmium levels in fish samples ranged from 0.357 to 1.826 ppm, with a mean value of 1.205 ppm; while Cadmium levels in shrimp ranged from 1.957 to 4.744 ppm, with a mean value of 3.549 ppm. Copper levels in fish ranged from 0.000 - 0.430 ppm, with a mean value of 0.313 ppm. Copper levels in shrimp ranged from 0.00 - 0.747 ppm, with a mean value of 0.382 ppm. Zinc levels in fish samples ranged from 0.268 to 3.412 ppm, with a mean value of 1.731 ppm; while zinc levels in frozen shrimp ranged from 2.746 to 7.060 ppm, with a mean value of 5.065 ppm.
Significance: High concentrations of lead and cadmium in fish muscles may have been derived from shipping and containers, which pass through the Red Sea, where a potential source is pollution caused by waste. Butteries and other sources of heavy metal pollutions, such as mining, refining, and industrial oil pollution in the Red Sea area may, also, be playing a role in this pollution.