HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION AND HEALTH RISK IN COMMONLY CONSUMED DRIED FISH SPECIES FROM MARKETS IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

Fish consumption is a primary source of protein for majority of Nigerians and contamination of fish is a cause of concern. This study assesed the concentrations of heavy metals and the human health risk in dried fish species via consumption. Three dried fish species; Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), Sole fish (Cynoglossus senegalensis), and Tenpounder (Elops lacerta) were purchased from two major markets in Benin City, Nigeria; New Benin Market and Uselu Market. The heavy metals concentration (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) in fish muscle were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotoeter (Model AA 500L). The heavy metals were in decreasing order of Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn>Fe in the muscle of the dried fish species with Iron(Fe) recording the highest concentration ranging from (29.19mg/kg - 39.16mg/kg) in Sole fish (Cynoglossus senegalensis), (49.69mg/kg - 71.04mg/kg) in Ten pounder (Elops lacerta) and (32.54mg/kg - 42.73mg/kg) in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The mean concentration values of Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu) and Lead (Pb) were below the permissible limits while Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) were above the permissible limits of FAO/WHO, 2011. The target hazard quotient and hazard index results (<1) recorded that they are no risks associated with the consumption of the dried fish species.