Bacterial and Heavy Metals Analyses in Fish at Shawaka Area of Tigris River

Abstract

This study was conducted from October to December 2012. 35 fish were collected from the Shawaka area of the Tigris river for quality analyses using bacteriological and chemical parameters. Results of bacteriological analysis showed that the total viable bacteria count  in the fish gut, skin and gill were ranged from 35.35×10³ - 6×10³ cfu/g, 34.9×10³ -21×10³ cfu/g and 30.1×10³ - 1.9×10³ cfu/g respectiveluy. 151 bacterial isolates  were obtained and identified into 14 genera (13 Gram negative bacteria + one Gram positive bacteria). The predominant bacteria from different organs were  Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Proteus spp., Citrobacter spp., Enterobacter spp. respectively. The results of  study indicated that most fish samples were polluted with high levels of  heavy metal Pb, Cd and Hg. Concentration of these heavy metals exceed limits for the fish recommended by the World Health Organization   (WHO) and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS).

Key word: Tigris river, Fish, Bacteria, Heavy Metals