LEVELS OF HEAVY METALS IN PSEUDOTOLITHUS ELONGATUS FROM BADAGRY MARKET, NIGERIA

Abstract

Fish plays a significant role in food and nutrition security across the world, especially in Nigeria, where the people consume fish as a major supplement to carbohydrate-based diets. Although the fish Pseudotolithus elongatus is present in Badagry coastal waters, it is one of the popular imported fish into Nigeria and has a high price in Badagry market because of its characterized good flavor and palatability. However, there are no recent reports on the safety of consuming this fish. In this study, 182 specimens of fresh P. elon-gatus purchased from Badagry market during October 2016 to April 2017 were examined for heavy metal composition (iron, copper, zinc, chromium, and lead) to assess their safety levels for human consumption. Samples were digested using the FAO and APHA procedures, while heavy metal concentrations were determined using an atomic absorption spectropho-tometer. Statistical analysis was carried out using ANOVA. The average concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) detected in the entire content of P. elongatus were 14.55±1.17, 0.20±0.02, 3.92±0.61, 0.06±0.02, and 0.35±0.02 mgkg−1, respectively. These concentrations were below the maximum limits recommended in fish and fishery products by the WHO and the FAO. Thus, this study confirms the safety of consumption of this fish from Badagry market. Nevertheless, sellers and processors must embrace hygienic practices to avoid contamina-tion of the fish.

Keywords

• Heavy metals,Fresh fish,Market,Nigeria,Safety

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