TRACE METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN CERTAIN FISHES FROM THE NAGAPPATTINAM COAST OF TAMIL NADU

Bioaccumulation pattern of metals (iron, zinc, copper, lead and cadmium) in the muscles of certain fishes [Tilapia mossambica (F1), Sardinella brachysoma (F2) and Mugil cephalus (F3)] were studied and it were collected from the landing centre of Nagappttinam, Tamil Nadu was studied during May and June months 2015. These metal concentrations were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) in order to find the source of pollution. The average trace metal levels in fish are follows. In the May, the mean metal concentrations such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ne Pb and Zn were 0.15, BDL, 0.32, 2.32, 0.03, 0.15 and 1.25 mg l -1 while in the June season, mean Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ne Pb and Zn concentrations were 0.12, BDL, 0.25, 1.76, 0.02, 0.12 and 1.27 g kg -1 , respectively. The metal accumulation in the fishes were higher (1-5 folds) in the May month than the June month samples. The level of trace metal decreased orders were: Sardinella brachysoma (F2) > Tilapia mossambica (F1) > Mugil cephalus (F3). A competent monitoring programme is an essential adjunct to any attempt of managing the coastal areas in an ecologically sound and sustainable manner.