Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in muscles of Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum) collected from the central part of the southern end of the Caspian Sea during February 2011. Except for silver (Ag) and nickel (Ni) which were below the limits of detection, the average levels of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) were 1.61, 0.025, 0.038, 0.176, 1.32, 5.83, 0.238, 0.869, 1.93 and 8.05 mg kg-1 wet weight, respectively. Although the maximum levels of Pb were higher than that recommended in some international guidelines (i.e.WHO<1.5mg kg-1), the estimated daily intakes of all metals were below the acceptable daily intake set by the joint FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives, and the hazard quotient values showed that there is no risk for consumptions of Kutum in reasonable amounts for consumers.

Keywords:Trace elements, Kutum (Rutilus frisii kutum), Risk assessment, Caspian Sea