Bioaccumulation Assessment of Trace Metals by Three Main Demersal Fish from Algerian Coast

In this study, the level of bioaccumulation of some trace metals (Cu, Zn, Hg, and Ni) by three demersal fishes of the Algerian coast (the red mullet “Mullus barbatus”, the European hake “Merluccius merluccius”, and the common pandora “Pagellus erythrinus”) in relation to their biochemical composition (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) was estimated. Thirty individuals of each fish species separated into two size classes were collected at different sites during an oceanographic survey along the Algerian coast in the summer of 2013. The specimens were dissected to obtain fish tissue samples from the muscles, liver, and gonads. A difference in the bioaccumulation of the metals analyzed between the three species of fish in relation to sex, size, and organs was revealed. Therefore, a difference in the biochemical composition of the three organs (muscle, liver, and gonads) of the three fishes has been revealed. In addition, significant correlations between Carbohydrates—Zinc, Proteins—Copper and Proteins—Nickel, respectively, were unveiled. However, the lipid level showed no significant correlation with all analyzed metals. Nevertheless, the three fishes (red mullet, European hake, and common pandora) from Ghazaouet and Bou-Ismail bays showed high concentrations on the trace metals analyzed compared to other areas.