Potential Hazard Levels of Lead and Cadmium in Muscles of the River Nile Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Available in Markets in Assiut City, Egypt

The objective of current study was to determine the levels of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in the muscular tissue of the River Nile catfish "Clarias gariepinus", collected randomly from fishsellers in Assiut city, Egypt. A total of 50 samples were purchased, inspected and prepared for metal analysis. Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometer was used for quantitative determination of lead and cadmium in the samples. The obtained concentrations for Pb ranged from 0.02 to 4.0 with a mean value of 1.29±0.17 mg Kg-1 , while that of cadmium ranged from 0.03 to 1.05 with a mean value of 0.19±0.04 mg Kg-1 . Most of the samples "66% and 76%" had residues of lead and cadmium exceeded the permissible limit (0.3 and 0.03 mg Kg-1 ) set for fish by EgyptianOrganization for Standardization and Quality, respectively. In conclusion, the flesh of Clarias gariepinus fish sold in markets of Assiut city, constitute a potential public health hazard considering lead toxicity and to a less degree for cadmium