Cadmium, lead, zinc, and copper levels were measured in muscle, liver, and gonads of little tunny (Euthynnus alletteratus) from the western region of Algeria. Relationships between heavy metals concentrations and age, sex, sexual maturity stages, and fish size were investigated. The highest average levels of cadmium (0.2010 ± 0.026 mg kg-1), lead (0.8069 ± 0.09 mg kg-1), and copper (18.1135 ± 1.34 mg kg-1) were recorded in the liver, while the highest mean zinc value of 203.1454 ± 21.48 mg kg-1 was observed in the gonads. Significant differences (t > 1.96, p < 0.05) were found between metals levels in different tissues. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in muscle, liver, and gonads increase with age and fish size. However, metals analysis in gonadal tissues provides clear evidence of the transfer of heavy metals from spawners to progeny. The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu measured in edible muscle flesh were lower than the maximum acceptable limit set by FAO/WHO for human consumption.
Keywords: Algeria; Bioaccumulation; Euthynnus alletteratus; Heavy metals; Western region.