Global Advanced Research Journal of Physical and Applied Sciences (GARJPAS)

June 2016, 5(2): pp. 018-021

Copyright © 2016 Global Advanced Research Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Assessment of Heavy Metal Residues in Stock Fish, Cray Fish and Consumable Vegetables Sold in Selected Markets in Enugu-State, South Eastern Part of Nigeria.

Okeke OR¹, Ejindu-Ejesi CO², Aburu CM³, Odenigbo CD³ and Odenigbo JO⁴

¹Plastic Production Section, Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu Nigeria.

²Electroplating Section, Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu Nigeria.

³Mechanical section, Scientific Equipment Development Institute, Enugu Nigeria.

⁴Engineering R & D Production Section, Project Development Institute Enugu Nigeria.

Corresponding Author Email: onyekaokeke207@yahoo.com

Accepted 12 May, 2016

Abstract

Studies were carried out to determine the levels of selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, As and Cu ) in the consumable vegetables (curry, pumpking, green and scent leaves) and stock fish and Cray fish sold in two markets within Enugu Metropolis using atomic absorption spectroscopy after acid digestion with a mixture of Conc.  HNO₃ and HCL0₄ in the ratio of 3:2. The general order of decrease of heavy metals in the vegetables samples were, Cu>As>Pb>Cd. Also the general order of decrease of heavy metals in the stock fish and Cray fish samples followed the same trends as in the vegetables. The mean heavy metal levels in the analyzed food items from the two markets were within permissible levels of safety recommended by W.H.O.

Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Heavy metals, Vegetables, Stock fish and Cray fish.