Biochemistry & Analytical Biochemistry

Abstract

Quantitative Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Fish Roasted with Firewood, Waste Tyres and Polyethylene Materials

Ujowundu CO, Ogbede JU, Igwe KO, Okwu GN, Agha NC and Okechukwu RI

The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of PAHs along successive trophic levels is an important means of exposure to human and animal life. This study evaluated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in fresh fish and fish samples processed/ roasted with smoke/heat/flame generated from firewood, waste tyre and polyethylene materials. PAHs and heavy metals were determined with Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in the heat-processed fish when compared to fresh fish. Appreciable amount of carcinogenic PAHs; benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene benz(a)anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) were detected in processed/roasted fish samples.