Trace Metal and Organochlorine Residue Levels in Red Mullet ( Mullus barbatus) from the Eastern Aegean, Turkey

The levels of trace metals and organochlorine residue were determined in red mullet ( Mullus barbatus) in the framework of a MED-POL II Project for the Aegean Sea during 1994–1998. Samples were analyzed seasonally from July 1994 to January 1998. The concentrations of trace metals found varied with Hg: 16–200 μg kg −1, Cd: 0.57–4.5 μg kg −1 and Pb: 40–207 μg kg −1 wet weight. The order of trace metal concentrations found in Mullus barbatus was Pb>Hg>Cd. Correlation coefficients were calculated between Hg, Cd, and Pb concentrations and fork lengths to be Hg: 0.5852, Cd: −0.081, Pb: 0.5823, respectively. Cadmium levels are lower than the results in fish tissues reported from Mediterranean regions. The results of organochlorine residues measured varied between Aldrin: 0.10 and 0.61 μg kg −1, t-DDD: 0.86 and 4.5 μg kg −1 and t-DDE: 10 and 18 μg kg −1 wet weight. Correlation coefficients for measured organochlorine residues and fork lengths are Aldrin: 0.6422, t-DDD: 0.2237 and t-DDE: 0.5484. The levels of mercury, lead and organochlorine residues are similar to the results in fish from Mediterranean countries.