title: Concentrations of trace elements in a rare and threatened coastal shark from the Arabian Gulf (smoothtooth blacktip Carcharhinus leiodon).
abstract: Kuwait's waters are one of only two locations where the smoothtooth blacktip shark Carcharhinus leiodon is known to occur. Concentrations of 11 trace elements were analysed in five juvenile and two adult specimens of this coastal predator. Concentrations of lead in muscle increased with length, whilst manganese concentration decreased. Arsenic concentrations in muscle were among the highest reported in elasmobranchs, and the concentration in the liver increased significantly in relation to length. In comparison to published literature, concentrations of manganese (liver), lead (muscle) and iron (muscle and liver) were high. Mercury concentrations in the muscle exceeded European Food Safety Authority limits and were among the highest reported in any elasmobranch. Concentrations of selenium, which may inhibit mercury toxicity, were also high. These results and previous studies indicate that potentially hazardous levels of mercury and other contaminants may occur in sharks in this region, adding further stressors to these vulnerable populations.
authors.affiliation: RSK Environment Ltd., Spring Lodge, 172 Chester Road, Helsby, Cheshire WA6 0AR, UK. Electronic address: amoore@rsk.co.uk.
authors.forename: Alec B M
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors.forename: Thi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bolam
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Weymouth Laboratory, The Nothe, Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, UK.
authors.forename: Brett P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.affiliation: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK.
authors.forename: Jim R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Ellis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001151:Arsenic / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D056727:Endangered Species; D005260:Female; D007730:Kuwait; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D009132:Muscles / Q000737:chemistry; D012643:Selenium / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D012754:Sharks / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury; D012643:Selenium; D001151:Arsenic
keywords: Carcharhinidae; Food safety; Metals; Persian Gulf; Threatened species