Assessment of Some Heavy Metals in Selected Dried Fishes Sold in Three Major Markets in Awka Metropolis, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

Akinrotimi OA, Ikeogu CF, Ayaobu-Cookey IK, Onoja CR and Emeka KJ

Published on: 2024-04-18

Abstract

This study examined the concentrations of some heavy metals (Cadmium-Cd, Lead-Pb, Mercury-Hg, Arsenic-As, and Zinc-Zn) in a selection of dried consumer fish samples, which were obtained from three markets: Eke Awka, Kwata, and Nkwo Amaenyi in Awka Metropolis, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The fish samples included stock fish (cod), Gadus morhua, Trachurus trachurus, horse mackerel (shina), and African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). A total of twenty-seven samples, three of each kind of fish, were bought straight from the chosen markets. The metal concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy and photometry using the Buck Scientific 200A model. Levels of heavy metals were expressed in mg/kg dry weight. The data obtained from the study were collated and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 22.0). The results obtained indicated that the highest concentrations of Cadmium (0.17±0.02), Lead (0.28±0.03), Mercury (0.06±0.01), and Arsenic (0.03±0.00) were found in the species Gadus morhua, while C. gariepinus has the lowest concentrations. However, T. trachurus has the highest concentration of Zinc (4.74±0.23), followed by G. morhua (4.07±0.69), and C. gariepinus has the lowest concentration (1.02±0.02). The concentrations of metals were significantly different (p > 0.05) among the species. The levels of heavy metals in fish species used in this study did not exceed the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Federal Ministry of Environment (FME), thereby making the fish wholesome for human consumption. In view of the low levels of heavy metals obtained from the smoked fish samples analyzed in this study, constant evaluation should be carried out periodically in order to ascertain when the levels of heavy metals will be above the acceptable limit for safe consumption as these metals could be passed on to humans and predispose consumers to possible health hazards.