Authors : T.A. Abii , O.E. Afieroho and F.U. Nnamdi
Abstract: The nutritional value and heavy metals Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Pb, Hg and Cd in five different portions; head, scales, flesh, skeleton and internal organs of big size (10-20 cm) and small size ( 10cm) of oreochromis niloticus from the fish pond in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) in Abia State and in Evicerated/descaled Orechromis niloticus from fresh water fish pond in Uzere Delata State were analyzed for comparism. Heavy metals concentrations were determined using UNICAM Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) while nutritional values were analyzed by standard methods. Results show detectible concentration in mg kg 1 dried wt of Zn (9.74-23.87), Mn (10.70-164.94), Fe (11.02-12.49), Cd (0.29-1.78) for the two O. niloticus from both locations, Hg and Pb were Below Detection Limit (BDL)for the University location while a range of Pb (7.07-7.39), Hg (147.00-200.16) for the Uzere location. The values for the Uzere location were generally higher than FDA/WHO safe limits while those for the University location were lower. On tissue accumulation the internal organs showed highest concentration (BDL-5.53) thereby reflecting their water concentration (BDL-0.6204 mg L 1). A no significant variation in fat and water content was observed while protein, ash, carbohydrate and energy values varied significantly (p = t95). Fat and ash content increase with size. The toxicological implications of the result were discussed.
T.A. Abii , O.E. Afieroho and F.U. Nnamdi , 2007. Comparative Assessment of Heavy Metals in Orechromis NiloticusTilipia (From the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike Fresh Water Fish Pond in Abia State with Those Frmom Uzere Fresh Water Pond in Delta State of Nigeria . Journal of Fisheries International, 2: 226-230.