The content of trace elements in the Pacific capelin Mallotus catervarius (Pisces: Osmeridae) from the coastal waters of the southwestern part of Sakhalin Island

The content of Fe, As, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Hg and Cd in the muscles and gonads of the Pacific capelin sampled in 2020 in the coastal waters of the southwestern part of Sakhalin Island was estimated. The highest content of As is noted in muscles, Mn – in fish eggs, Hg – in muscles and milt. The content of trace elements in fish muscles and gonads decreases in the range Fe – Cd or Hg. The concentrations of normalized toxic elements Pb, Cd, As and Hg in the muscles and gonads of the Pacific capelin are safe according to hygienic requirements for food products. The data obtained indirectly indicate a favorable ecological situation in terms of the content of normalized toxic elements in the waters near southwest Sakhalin.