DETERMINATION OF TOXIC ELEMENTS IN FISHES COLLECTED FROM WESTERN COAST OF INDIA

This study assessed heavy metal concentration in 149 commercial sh samples of four species - Fenneropenaeus indicus, Harpadon nehereus, Pampus argenteus, and Rastrelliger kanagurta.- collected from sh markets along the Western Coast of India. The levels of Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were determined using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Spectrometry after wet digestion. Results showed signicant variation among species: F. Indicus had the highest Cr and Zn levels, while H. nehereus showed the highest Cu and Pb concentrations. Arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and tin were detected in less than 50% of samples and excluded from detailed analysis. The concentrations were in the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO, EU, FSSAI, and Codex Standards. However, Pb levels exceeded safety limits in all sh species. The study emphasizes the need for regular monitoring to ensure seafood safety