ASSESSMENT OF HEAVYMETALS IN SELECTED IMPORTED FROZEN FISHES IN AKURE, ONDO STATE

Abstract

Fish is a very important source of protein readily available for human nutrition. Fish consumption is recommended because of its nutritional benefits. Diet has been a major source of contamination by heavy metals in man. There is a necessity to regularly monitor the levels of heavy metals in fish available for consumption. This study aimed to assess the level of heavy metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cr and the possible health risk to humans in some selected imported frozen fish in Akure, Ondo state Nigeria. Heavy such as: Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Cr were analysed in fish samples (Trachurus trachurus, Clupea harengus, Scomber scombrus,) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer after acid digestion pretreatment. Variations occurred in the accumulation of heavy metals concentrations between head and muscle section across the fishing zone such as; UK, Russia, Holland and Norway. ANOVA and Post hoc (Tukey) multicomparison show that there are significant differences (P<0.05) between the head and muscle as well as their fishing. The means concentrations of heavy metals analyzed, Trachurus trachurus,(Fe 68.00,Cu 63.07,Ni 4.00, Cr 10.30, Cd 11.33, Pb 1.53) Clupea harengus,(Fe 62.67,Cu 65.00,Ni 21.33, Cr 8.05, Cd 7.67, Pb 0.00 ) Scomber scombrus,( Fe 87.67,Cu 6.67,Ni 20.67, Cr 11.05, Cd 10.00, Pb 1.60) showed higher concetration of heavy metals accumulations in the order of : Fe >Cu >Ni > Cr > Cd> Pb, and were above the recommended safety limits outlined by various standard organization such as WHO,NAFDAC, and FAO. However, the consumer’s health risk with the consumption of fish shows that there are greater tendencies for Cadmium exposure. Also consumption of these species with their head may lead to taking some heavy metals above the recommended daily intake and might lead to ingestion of heavy metals at unacceptable concentrations.