John Oamen Igene
University of Benin
Nigeria
Title: The incidence of some heavy metals in grasscutter meat (Thryonomy swinderianus) Temminck In Edo State, Nigeria
Biography
Biography: John Oamen Igene
Abstract
The concentrations of heavy metals (Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Arsenic and Nickel) in fresh and smoke-dried grasscutter meats were determined in this study. Muscle, liver and kidney of wild and domesticated grasscutters were purchased from Uwa, New Benin, Arbico markets and Makarios graduate grasscutter farmers Edo Development and Property Authority Housing Estate respectively, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Twenty-four (24) samples were used in all.Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for analysis after wet digestion of samples with 1:3 Perchloric acid and Nitric acid. Data obtained were statistically analyzed using SAS. Randomized complete block design was used and treatments were accommodated in a 4x3x2 factorial arrangement. The ranges obtained for the heavy metals analyzed in (fresh and smoke-dried) muscle, liver and kidney samples were observed as follows; Pb(ND-0.513 ppm) (ND-0.154 ppm), Cr(0.072-1.186 ppm) (0.074-0.306 ppm), Cd(0.186-7.516 ppm) (0.277-2.723 ppm) and Ni(0.041-0.725 ppm) (0.045-0.188 ppm) respectively. Generally, the heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the fresh and smoke-dried muscle, liver and kidney of wild grasscutters than the values from domesticated grasscutters. Fresh grasscutter samples were, however, significantly higher (P<0.05) in these heavy metals than in smoke-dried grasscutter samples. The concentration of Cr, Cd and Ni reveals values higher than the recommended limits of (1.0 mg/kg; 0.5 ppm; 1.0 ppm and 0.05 ppm) respectively, set by internationally-approved regulatory bodies. Arsenic concentrations were not detected in all the samples analyzed. Lead was not found in domesticated grasscutters.In conclusion, some heavy metal concentrations were found to be higher than the threshold limit recommended by FAO/WHO.