Metal Distribution in the Tissues of Two Benthic Fish from Paddy Fields in the Middle Reach of the Yangtze River

Metal content was determined in two fish species (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus and Monopterus albus) inhabiting rice paddies along the Middle Reach of the Yangtze River. Both are species important food fish in East Asia. The levels of eight metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, As, Cd, Pb) in skin, muscle and intestinal tissues were measured and correlated with fish size. Metal distribution among the tissues was examined and the potential risk of fish consumption was evaluated. Correlations between metal concentration and fish size were not significant. Concentrations of essential metals varied significantly among tissues, but the differences were not significant for non-essential metals. Correlations among metals in skin tissue were stronger than in intestinal and muscle tissues. Metal concentrations in the edible tissues of both fish met permissible levels for consumption, except Pb in loach skin and Cr loach in muscle. The potential risk caused by Pb from skin and Cr from muscle of loach consumption should be considered in future risk assessmeents.