The levels of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg) in fish from onshore and offshore waters of the German bight.

With the intention of increasing our knowledge about the actual degree of heavy metal accumulation in fish, the contents of the elements manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead and mercury in certain fish species (cod and plaice) from onshore and offshore waters of the German Bight have been determined. The measurements have been performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry: Flame AAS was used as investigating procedure for the determination of Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. A non-flame atomization system with a heated graphite tube was used for the determination of Cd, Pb, Co, and Ni. The concentration of total Hg was estimated according to the so-called "cold vapour atomic absorption method". In order to avoid errors in interpretation of measured values of Co and Ni, which occured as a result of matrix effects, a special technique has been developed. This based upon an selective separation and enrichment by chelate exchanger chromatography ("Chelex 100"). The analytical data obtained are plotted in a diagram with log.-log. scale. The content is shown on the x-axis, and the corresponding relative reproducibility (variation coefficient) of the method used is shown on the y-axis. For all elements investigated certain levels have been found out. From an examination of the results it appeared that there were comparatively small differences in the prevailing concentrations of transition metals Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn between samples of the same species from different areas. Likewise, the levels estimated for plaice did not differ from those estimated for cod. There is some evidence of elevated levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg in plaice from areas along the coastline.