Trace metal, proximate composition and anatomical properties of four fish species commonly consumed in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Proximate and trace metal contents of fish is of great interest to the consumer and the nutritionist. In the study, trace metal concentrations and proximate compositions of local and imported fish species were examined. The result of the analysis showed that all fish species have adequate amount of fish proteins necessary for human consumption. The high yield of fillet makes Atlantic mackerel the best source of raw materials for canning and great value when added to other products. The lipid content reveals that all fish species can be preserved using local methods. The result of the analysis shows that the levels of Cd in all the fish samples were between 0.03 mg/g in cat fish species and 0.09 mg/g in Tilapia fish species. The concentration of Zn was found high in catfish species while low concentration was recorded for Tilapia fish species. It was further revealed that the levels of Cd and Zn were below permissible levels for human consumption. Pb was not detected in the entire species understudy. These findings conclude that the fish species understudy were safe for human consumption and adequate for various methods of preservation.