Abstract: Kelana Jaya Ponds are typical aquatic ecosystems of great importance
with regard to biodiversity and aesthetic value in urban areas of Peninsular
Malaysia. Concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were determined in the edible flesh
(muscles), scales and gills of the fish tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus caught
at one of the ponds in Kelana Jaya. The ranges of mean concentrations of metals
(μg/g dry weight) in the fish were Cd: 2.42, 3.95 and 4.48; Cu: 1.98,
3.78 and 2.89 and Zn: 58.4, 71.1 and 80.5, in the muscles, scales and gills,
respectively. Generally, scales and gills showed higher metal concentrations
than muscles. Although the lake is thought to receive semi-untreated domestic
wastes and dumping, the results of these metals (especially in the edible part
of the fish) did not exceed the permissible limits for human consumption for
fish product. Therefore, this should not pose health problems for consumers of
the tilapia species but further intensive studies are warranted.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Oreochromis mossambicus, Peninsular Malaysia
