Determination of mineral composition in three commercial fish species (Solea solea, Mullus surmuletus, and Merlangius merlangus)

Abstract

This study was monitored to determine the changes in the micromineral and macromineral composition of common sole (Solea solea), striped red mullet (Mullus surmuletus), and whiting (Merlangius merlangus) throughout the year. Macromineral concentrations in edible parts of fish species were 444-1,559 mg/kg for Na, 1,975-5,130 mg/kg for K, 228-658 mg/kg for Mg, 187-1,105 mg/kg for Ca, and 2,341-7,341 for P, respectively. The highest mercury contents were found in the autumn months. While the highest protein and lowest fat values were found in the summer, the highest ash contents were found in the spring. Mercury content was found to be over the legislative limits in autumn samples for common sole and in summer for striped red mullet. Lead and cadmium contents of striped red mullet were found to be over the legislative limits throughout year.