We analyze the heavy metals concentrations in muscle samples of milk shark (Rhizoprionodon acutus) from Persian Gulf. The metals distribution was Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > Hg. No statistical differences were observed among size or weight by sex (p < 0.05). Metals concentrations in the population de R. acutus from Larak and Lavan islands are homogeneous along the coastal study area. Our study suggest that the results reflect the natural contents of trace metals in this species, and the health risk associated to milk shark consumption in Persian Gulf is relatively low.
Keywords: Heavy metals; Persian gulf; Pollution; Sharks.