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Effect of processing on the heavy metal contents of Sarotherodon galilaeus, Tilapia zillii , and Clarias gariepinus from two water bodies in Osun State, Nigeria
Author(s) -
Bala F. E.,
Ikujenlola A. V.,
Omobuwajo T. O.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of food processing and preservation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.511
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1745-4549
pISSN - 0145-8892
DOI - 10.1111/jfpp.13493
Subject(s) - clarias gariepinus , heavy metals , cadmium , environmental chemistry , arsenic , fishery , chemistry , atomic absorption spectroscopy , tilapia , fish <actinopterygii> , environmental science , toxicology , biology , physics , catfish , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
This study evaluated and compared the levels of selected heavy metals in three fish species from two water bodies in Osun State. The fish species were carefully harvested, processed, and prepared for heavy metals (Nickel, Cadmium, Lead, and Arsenic) determinations using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results obtained showed that all the heavy metals investigated were present in all the fishes and water samples. Heavy metals in the water samples ranged from 0.004 to 0.0027 mg/L. The total dissolved solid, pH, and conductivity of the water samples from the water bodies were all below maximum permissible levels. Concentrations of heavy metals in the fresh, smoked, and dried fishes were all found to be low, ranging from 0.002 to 0.027 mg/kg. The study concluded that the levels of heavy metals investigated were below the recommended maximum permissible levels of these metals, the fishes from the two reservoirs/dams were safe for human consumption. Practical applications This study established the fact that the selected heavy metals investigated were present at varying concentrations in the fish species analyzed and in the two water bodies. The levels of the selected heavy metals are within the allowable range and as such the consumption of these fishes is safe. The application of processes like smoking, salting, and drying resulted in products of better shelf life.