Study of some toxic metals in parts from catfish (Silurus triostegus) in Shatt Al-Arab river

According to their toxicity, toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, cadmium, copper, zinc, and lead are believed to be the most harmful to humans, fish, and the environment. Because their levels are rising due to human activities endangering aquatic species and people, the current study sought to ascertain the level of toxic heavy metals in five catfish parts (skin, liver, muscles, gills, and ovaries). In the northern part of the Shatt Al-Arab, catfish samples were collected in March 2022. ICP-MS was used to detect target metal levels. According to the results, arsenic accumulated in the skin and muscles at a rate of 0.22 and 0.21ppm, respectively. In contrast, the levels of arsenic in the various body parts are not statistically different. Additionally, cadmium showed no noticeable variances in the studied body parts. Furthermore, the liver had the most significant copper accumulation 18.72ppm. Furthermore, mercury accumulation in various body parts was shown to vary statistically, with the highest levels in muscles 0.66ppm. In addition, zinc was accumulated in the body parts in the following sequence: gills, ovaries, liver, skin, and muscles, respectively, while in the following sequence: muscles, skin, gills, liver, and ovaries respectively in the lead. Moreover, there were no statistically significant differences in the quantity of zirconium that accumulated. According to the current study, the catfish’s body parts did not accumulate toxic heavy metals at high rates. This may be due to study area the environment and the mechanisms of treating these types of metals by catfish.