Agriculture & Food, Volume 11, 2023

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the nutritional value, heavy metals, and micro and macro elements in four species of fish from the Kardzhali dam (Carassius gibelio, Perca fluviatilis, Vimba melanops and Rutilus rutilus). Data on the content of proteins, lipids, heavy metals, and micro and macro elements were obtained, and the energy value in kcal/100g and kJ/100 g fresh weight was calculated. The analyzed species can be divided into two groups: with low lipid content (up to 2.0%) - perch (1 g/100g fresh weight); and with medium lipid content (2.0-8.0%) - Prussian carp, malamida, and roach ( 2.0 to 2.7 g/100g fresh weight). All freshwater fish examined from the Kardzhali dam belonged to the category of foods with medium and high energy content (more than 170 kJ/100g) and were a good source of protein (21.52-24.54%). All four fish studied are essential magnesium, potassium, and sodium sources. Zinc, iron, phosphorus, and calcium predominate in Prussian carp and roach, while copper and manganese in malamida. The content of heavy metals mercury, lead, cadmium, and zinc in all fish examined was below the maximum allowable concentration (MAC). All four tested fish can be recommended for consumption by the population in the area.