Trace Metals In Qatari Fish And Shellfish

Abstract

Fish, prawns and crabs purchased at the retail market in Doha, were analysed for cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc. The results indicated significantly elevated concentrations of cadmium in the flesh of the Qatari marine organisms. Chromium concentrations were slightly elevated particularly in prawns and crabs. Lead, copper and zinc were not present in high enough concentrations to cause detrimental health effects for consumers. Further study of selected elements in Oatari seafood is considered necessary both to delineate any temporal change in trace metal levels in locally available marine organisms and to determine concentrations of other toxic metals