Comparison of trace metals in different fish tissues of Scomberomorus spp. (“sierra”) and Lutjanus synagris (“arrayado”) from Jobos Bay and La Parguera coastal areas in Southern Puerto Rico

Metal pollution in aquatic systems are a health concern worldwide. This study compared the distribution As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Se, and Zn, in liver, gonad, gill and muscle of S. cavallaand L. synagris from Jobos Bay to levels in S. regalisand L. synagrisfrom La Parguera (reference site). Levels of Hg were only determined in fish muscle. Arsenic, Se, and Hg (only for S. cavalla) were significantly higher in tissues of fish species from Jobos Bay when compared to fish from La Parguera. Liver displayed higher metal concentrations, while muscle tended to accumulate less metals. In all tissues, Zn exhibited the highest concentrations, while Cd and Pb were limited to liver and gill of L. synagris from both sampling areas. Most metal content in different tissues of S. cavalla and L. synagris from the Jobos Bay area fell in the range of metal concentrations that were associated to low aquatic metal pollution, although As and Hg concentrations in fish muscle represent a human health concern based on health criteria values.