Selected heavy metal profiles in fishes sold in open market, in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Pollution and food safety have become issues of concern in recent years. It is on this premise that the present investigation was carried out to determine the levels of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, and Arsenic) in five commonly consumed fish (Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus, Mugil cephalus, Sardinella maderensis, and Lutjanus goreensis) and compare the values with international permissible limit. The fish were procured from Choba market, Nigeria. Analysis of heavy metals in fish was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Mean concentrations of Lead in M. caphalus, S. maderensis, L. goreensis, C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were 0.4894±0.047mg/kg, 0.95±0.039mg/kg, 1.036±0.108mg/kg, 0.75±0.038mg/kg and 0.59±0.33mg/kg respectively. Cadmium values in M. caphalus, S. maderensis, L. goreensis, C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were 0.0038±0.0038mg/kg, 0.0060±0.0019mg/kg, 0.0064±0.0011mg/kg, 0.0036±0.0039mg/kg and 0.0026±0.0037mg/kg respectively. For Arsenic, mean values for M. cephalus, S. maderensis, L. goreensis, C. gariepinus and O. niloticus were 0.0032±0.00295mg/kg, 0.0046±0.00207mg/kg, 0.0052±0.00164mg/kg, 0.0032±0.00327mg/kg, 0.0018±0.00249mg/kg respectively. The metal concentrations in the fish were in decreasing order of Pb>Cd>As. Pb in fish exceeded the permissible limits in fish samples whereas Cd and As were below the permissible limits. The presence of these metals in fish samples, when consumed continuously, may pose a massive health risk for the consumers.