ASSESSMENT OF SEASONAL VARIATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THREE DIFFERENT FISH SPECIES FROM SOUTHEAST COAST REGION OF CUDDALORE

S. Celine Hilda Mary *1, 2, R. Ramabai1, A.Vinodhini1 and R.Anandan2

Fish has been consider as a one of the most important source of nutrients. These nutrients can be affected by manmade pollution and leads to some toxic effects. The main purpose of this study to assess the seasonal variation of proximate composition, level of heavy metals such as mercury, arsenic and lead in seawater and different fish species. The muscle tissues of three commonly demanded fish species [Lutjanus sanguineus, Loligo duvauceli and Leiognathus splendens] and sea water samples was collected from southeast coast region of Cuddalore at three different seasons [winter, summer and Monsoon]. The level of heavy metals in different fish species was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result of the current study revealed that all the metals were present below the permitted level in sea water and fish sample at all three seasons. They are present in the following order in all the seasons Hg<As<Pb in the sea water.