Metal Levels in Marine Stingrays: A Closer Look at Johor Waters

Have you ever wondered what lurks beneath the surface of Johor Waters when it comes to marine life? A recent study took a deep dive into the heavy metal levels of stingrays from Pontian, Muar, and Batu Pahat. These metals, like copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury, can build up in the rays' bodies, posing potential risks to humans who consume them. The research team examined 45 stingrays, analyzing their fillets using a fancy tool called Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). What did they find? Well, the average concentrations of these metals were surprisingly varied. Copper clocked in at 0. 982 micrograms per gram of dry weight, while zinc was higher at 31. 3 micrograms. Arsenic took the top spot with a whopping 93. 57 micrograms. The other metals—cadmium, lead, and mercury—were found in smaller amounts. You might think that bigger fish would have more metals, but the study showed that size isn't the only factor. The location of the stingray also played a role in how many metals it absorbed. This is important because it means that certain areas might be more polluted than others. So, what does this all mean? Well, it's a warning sign that we need to be careful about how much stingray we eat. Each metal has a safe limit for human consumption, and exceeding these can cause health issues. This study is like a wake-up call for us to better understand and manage the pollution in Johor Waters. By knowing the levels of these metals, we can take steps to protect both our health and the marine ecosystem. It's not just about today but also about ensuring a cleaner future for the marine life that calls Johor Waters home.