Heavy Metals Determination in Some Species of Frozen Fish Sold at Ile-Ife Main Market, South West Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the concentrations of six heavy metals; cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) in the tissue (flesh and gills) of some frozen fishes sold in Ile-Ife main market using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Open acid digestive method was used for sample dissolution. The results obtained showed that, metal concentrations in the muscles of different species were in the range of Ni 10.35-15.40μg/g; Cr, 0.29-0.38 μg/g; Pb, 0.42-0.49 μg/g; Hg, 0.34-0.47 μg/g; As, 0.06-0.07 μg/g; Cd, 0.04-0.07 μg/g with Ni > Pb > Hg> Cr> Cd > As, while in the gills values were: Ni, 9.93-12.67 μg/g; Cr, 0.21-0.33 μg/g; Pb, 0.21-0.43 μg/g;Hg,0.37-0.43 μg/g; As, 0.06-0.07 μg/g and Cd 0.03-0.06 μg/g with Ni > Hg> Pb > Cr > As > Cd. Concentrations of Pb and Ni were above the SON (2007) and WHO (2003) guidelines for fresh water and (EC, 2000) lead permissible value in fish muscles. They are therefore not ideal for consumption as other heavy metals present at varying concentration could bioaccumulate and biomagnify and may result into health related problems in consumer. This study recommends proper scrutiny of the seafood to safe guard the health of the people.

Keywords: Heavy Metal, Market, Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, Environment, Pollution, Anthropogenic Activity.