Analysis of fish, poultry, feeds and sediments using NAA for assessment of arsenic and chromium contamination

Abstract

In this study, a systematic analysis of fresh and sea water fishes, poultry and their feeds and sediments was conducted using research reactor based neutron activation analysis (NAA) technique with the aim to determine elemental status with special emphasis on arsenic and chromium contamination. Sixty nine samples in different categories (fresh water fishes from three ponds, and corresponding sediments, sea water fishes from Bay of Bengal, chicken from five farms, their feeds) were analyzed through a series of NAA experiments to determine the translocations of toxic elements from feed to fish, sediments and birds and their excretion through litters. The analytical results revealed that some of the locally produced feeds for poultry and fish are highly contaminated with chromium. The flesh of both the fresh water fish and poultry are free from arsenic contamination. The sea fish contains high arsenic concentration. However, the major form of seafood arsenic as arsenobetaine that is completely harmless and its occurrence in seafood presented no human health concerns. The present study will certainly help to the Food Controlling Authority in Bangladesh to produce fish and poultry in a controlled sustainable manner and will also create public awareness.