Heavy metals were estimated in different types of marine organisms in fin fishes and shell fishes (Rastrelliger kanagurta, Lates calcarifer, Ephinephalus malabricus, Penaeus monodon and Meretrix meretrix) collected from the Muttukadu creek, Kovalam, south east coast of India. Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd) in the edible part of marine organisms in fin fishes and shell fishes were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometer. The lowest concentration of Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb and Cd were determined 2.74±0.23 μg g-l , 1.03±0.41 μg g-l , 4.49±0.27 μg g-l , 1.62±0.25 μg g-l , 3.70±0.18 μg g-l and highest were observed 9.80±0.36 μg g-l , 3.62±0.28 μg g-l , 12.48±0.47 μg g-l , 7.63±0.33 μg g-l , 6.41±0.64 μg g-l respectively. These results indicated that the heavy metal levels in the marine organisms in the studied areas were moderate but unacceptable Pb and Cd from the view of safety of seafood.
