DETERMINATION OF THE LEVEL OF HEAVY METALS AND TRACE ELEMENTS ( Fe, Cu, Pb, Cd) IN SELECTED FISH SPECIES (TILAPIA, AFRICAN CAT FISH AND L.MEGASTOMA)BY ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY (AAS)FROM LAKE ZIWAY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract Concentrations of four trace elements (Cu, Fe, Pb, and Cd ) were determined in muscles of three fish species (Tilapia, African cat fish and Lmegastoma) collected from zeway Lake in 2013 Ec by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The accuracy of the optimal procedure was checked by digesting a mixture of standard solutions or spiked fish samples and subsequently determining percent recovery. There were differences in the concentrations of the studied heavy metals between different species. Levels of Cu and Pb in the Lmegastoma samples from zeway Lake were highest in the species, Fe levels is in the fish muscle Lmegastoma> African cat fish >Tilapia. Cd levels is in the fish muscle African cat fish >Tilapia> Lmegastoma.the Concentrations of trace elements in the fishes ranged (µg element/g dry mass): Fe 18.53–38.88; Cu 1.98–4.88; Cd 0.43-0.45; Pb 0.27- 0.42. The maximum levels of trace metals found in edible portion of fishes were far below the thresholds. Hence, without regard to bioavailability, Oreochromis. niloticus, Lmegastoma and Clarius gariepinus may be considered safe for human consumption relative to the analyzed elements.