_Effect of Heavy Metals Pollution on Protein Biosynthesis in Catfish

The present study was carried out to evaluate the pollution and its effect on the quality of catfish. Four sites in Eygpt were chosen for the research, Ras El- Bar (site 1) as control, Shatta (site 2) , Kafr El- Bateekh (site 3), and Talkha (site 4). The research was carried out on water, sediments and catfish (serum and muscles). Nitrite, nitrate and ammonia were determined in water and sediment. Also, RNA and DNA were determined in serum samples and muscles of the catfish. In addition, the concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn and Cu) were estimated in water, sediments and muscles of catfish. Also, hepatosomatic index, liver water content, condition factor, lipid and protein contents were determined in the fish. The concentrations of nitrite, nitrate and ammonia in water and sediment of site 4 and the levels of heavy metals especially Pb and Cd in  water, sediment and muscle  of catfish from sites 3 and 4 were highly significantly elevated compared to those of the control. On the other hand, DNA, RNA and protein contents in catfish of sites 3 and 4 were highly significantly decreased. The results illustrated that, Cd and Pb levels in muscle of catfish were negatively correlated with DNA, RNA and with the protein contents. In conclusion, the accumulation of heavy metals in catfish tissues therefore, can cause health problems in human after catfish intake