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

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.

___

  • Abduljaleel, S.A. & Shuhaimi-Othman, M. (2011). Metals concentrations in eggs of domestic avian and estimation of health risk from eggs consumption. Journal of Biological Science, 11, 448-453.
  • Abubakar, A., Uzairu, A., Ekwumemgbo, P.A. & Okunola, O.J. (2014).Evaluation of heavy metals concentration in imported frozen fish (Trachurus murphyi) sold in Zaria market, Nigeria. American Journal of Chemistry, 4(5), 137-154.
  • APHA (2005). Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 21st edition American Public Health Association. Washington DC, 1368p.
  • Brawn,V.M. ( 2011). Reproductive Behaviour of the Cod (Gadus morhua), Behaviour, 18, 177-197.
  • Edet, O.A., Udoudo, M.E., Ekam, I.A. & Ngozi, O.A.(2014).Levels of heavy metals in fish obtained from two fishing sites in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 8(7), 416-421.
  • Eze, S.O. & Ogbuehi, G.I. (2015). Assessment of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration in some stockfish species sold in five major markets of Aba south, Abia state, Nigeria. European Journal of Pure and Applied Chemistry, 2(1),1-7.
  • FAO/WHO (2011). Joint FAO/WHO food standards programme codex committee on contaminants in foods. 5th Session, The Hague Netherlands, 21-25 March, 2011, ftp://ftp.fao.org/codex/ meetings/CCCF/cccf5/cf05_INF.pdf.
  • Igwemmar, N.C., Kolawole, S.A. & Odunoku, S.O.(2013). Heavy metal concentration in fish species sold in Gwagwalada market, Abuja, Nigeria. International Journal of Science and Research, 2(11), 7-9.
  • Jenyo-Oni, A. & Oladele, A.H. (2016). Heavy metals assessment in water, sediments and selected aquatic organisms in Lake Asejire, Nigeria. European Science Journal, 12(24), 339-351
  • Kareem, O.K., Orisasona, O. & Olanrewaju, N. (2016).Determination of heavy metal levels in some commonly consumed frozen fish in Ibadan, southwest, Nigeria. Research Journal of Environmental Toxicology, 10(1), 82-87.
  • Kumolu-Johnson, C.A., Ndimele, P.E., Akintola,S.L. & Jibuike, C.C.(2010). Copper, zinc and iron concentrations in water, sediment and Cynothrissa mento (Regan 1917) from Ologe Lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria: A preliminary survey. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 35, 87-94.
  • Lawson, E.O., Kumolu-Johnson, C.A., Hammed, A.M , Jimoh, A.A. & Kodaolu, F.B. (2005).A survey of fish fauna and fisheries of Badagry creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Agriculture & Environmental Research Studies, 1(1), 87-99.
  • Mekuleyi,G.O., Ayorinde, O.A., Lawson, E.O., Ndimele, P.E. & Fakoya,K.A. (2015).Impacts of endocrine disruptors on economically viable Crustaceans in Nigeria: Overview and recommendations. Proceedings of 30th FISON Annual Conference Held Between 22-27,2015 at Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Pp208 – 211.
  • Ndimele, P.E. & Kumolu-Johnson, C.A. (2012).Some Aspects of the Physicochemistry and Heavy Metal Content of Water, Sediment and Cynothrissa mento (Regan, 1917) from Badagry Creek, Lagos, Nigeria. Trends in Applied Science Research, 7, 724-736.
  • Obasohan, E.E.J., Oronsaye A.O. & Obano, E.E. (2006). Heavy metal concentration in Malapteruruselectricus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus from Ogba in Benin City,Nigeria. African Journal of Biotechnology, 5, 974-982.
  • Oguzie, F.A., (2009). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in three selected fish species of Ikpoba river in Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Fisheries, 6, 77-86.
  • Ugwu, A.I., Wakawa, R.J., La’ah, E. & Olotu, A. (2012).Spatial distribution of heavy metals in river Usuma sediments and study of factors impacting the concentration. IJRRAS, 12 (2), 294-303 .
  • World Health Organization (WHO),(1985). Recommended limit for metals in fin fish. Environmental health, Criteria 70.Principles for safety and assignment of food additive and contamination in food.Technical report series 505, Geneva, p309.