Heavy metal (lead, Cadmium) and antibiotic (Tetracycline and Chloramphenicol) residues in fresh and frozen fish types (Clarias gariepinus, Oreochromis niloticus) in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Pak J Biol Sci. 2012 Sep 15;15(18):895-9. doi: 10.3923/pjbs.2012.895.899.

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the level of heavy metals (lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)) and antibiotics (tetracycline and chloramphenicol) residues in frozen and fresh fish types obtained from Eleyele river, Officer's mess, Alfa farm and a major frozen meat outlet in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria. The Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) were used to analyze the heavy metals and antibiotics residue levels in fresh and frozen fish, respectively. The results showed mean concentrations of antibiotics was higher (p<0.05) in fresh than in frozen fish samples while there were no significant differences in the mean concentrations of heavy metal residue. The differences of mean residue levels in both antibiotics and heavy metals tested in the cranial and caudal parts of the fish samples were not significant (p<0.05). However, there was a significant difference between species (tilapia and catfish) and sources. The highest heavy metals and tetraxycline residues were observed in Alfa's farm (Pb: 0.039+/-0.004 ppm; Cd: 0.020+/-0.006 ppm; tetraxycline: 2.185+/-0.412). Chloramphenicol was highest in Officers mess (0.837+/-0.165 ppm). The heavy metals (Pb and Cd) concentrations determined were below the maximum permissible limits set by both local and international safety agencies. Tetraxcycline exceeded international limits of 0.2 ppm while Chloramphenicol which has a zero tolerance level was also detected from all sources. This study accentuates the need for control of heavy metals and antibiotics in fish sold for human consumption in Ibadan, Nigeria. The need to ban chloramphenicol in treatment of fish and other animals is emphasised.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / analysis*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Drug Residues / analysis*
  • Fish Products / analysis*
  • Fishes / metabolism*
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Nigeria

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Metals, Heavy