Presence of trace elements in muscles of Mugil cephalus from Yogyakarta coast, Indonesia

Trace elements refer to any chemical elements including metals and minerals that naturally exist in the aquatic ecosystem. Fish can accumulate trace elements including heavy metals absorbed from water and through the food chain. It is necessary to explore the relationship between the level of trace elements (both essential and non-essential) and the physiological status of fish in order to maintain the wild fish stock and ecosystem sustainability in the coastal marine ecosystem. Mullet Mugil cephalus is detritus and filter feeder inhabiting the coastal estuaries. This species can be considered as a biological indicator for metal pollution because of its capability to accumulate heavy metals in its body. This study was undertaken to examine the presence of eight trace elements consisting of essential elements: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu), and non-essential elements: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) in muscle tissues of M. cephalus taken from Opak and Bogowonto river estuaries, in coastal water of Southern Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Fish with total lengths of between 25 and 33 cm were selected. Fish muscle samples were analyzed for trace elements content by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and a Mercury Analyzer. According to the result obtained in this research, it may be concluded that the detected trace elements in M. cephalus muscle from two sampling sites were Cu, Fe, Zn, Hg. Other metals, namely, Cd, Cr, Mn, Pb, were not detected in fish muscle samples from both sites. The order of the mean concentration of trace elements in the muscle tissues of M. cephalus collected in both sampling sites was Fe > Zn > Cu > Hg. The information gained in this study is crucial to support the proper aquatic management and conservation of Yogyakarta coastal areas in Indonesia.