Determination of total mercury concentrations in water and common Carp from Azadegan aquaculture site, Khuzestan: strategy to reduce mercury accumulation in fish

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the total mercury (T-Hg) concentration in the common Carp muscles (Cyprinus carpio) fish species and surface water where they are collected. Material and methods: The fish and water samples were collected from Azadegan Aquaculture complex in Khuzestan, Iran during November of 2011 and the concentration of T-Hg was determined by Direct Mercury Analyzer-80. Results: The mean T-Hg concentration in Cyprinus carpio was 0.520.25 ?g T-Hg/kg for wet weight fish tissue. Average T-Hg concentrations for water sample from tree point of the pond were 2.10 0.001 ?g/kg, 2.120.003 ?g/kg and 2.110.08 ?g/kg correspondingly.