Heavy metals concentration in edible fishes from coastal region of Kalpakkam, southeastern part of India

Concentrations of Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cr, and Pb were estimated using ICP-MS in nine commercially important and locally consumed fish species ( Sarda orientalis , Scomberomorus commerson , Rastrelliger kanagurta , Sardinella longiceps , Paraplagusia bilineata , Cynoglossus lida , Cynoglossus macrostomus , Lepturacanthus savala , and Siganus javus ) collected from coastal waters of Kalpakkam, eastern part of India. Their concentration (μg g −1 ) in the examined fish species ranged as follows: Cu (0.8–6.5), Zn (14.3–27.9), Mn (0.5–8.8), Fe (17.6–117.0), Cr (0.24–1.78), and Pb (0.18–2.29). Concentrations of most of the metals in the fish species studied were found to be safe for human consumption barring Mn.