Processing and Storage Effects on the Proximate Composition, Changes in Heavy Metal Contents and Total Volatile Base Nitrogen (TVB-N) of Selected Fish Species in Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the effect of location, processing methods and storage on the proximate composition, heavy metal contents and total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) of some selected fish species from Asejire and Opa reservoirs, Osun state. The fish species were processed by salting, drying, smoking, storing (25 ± 2°C) and analyzed for proximate composition, heavy metal contents and TVB-N. Protein, fat, ash and carbohydrate increased after processing but moisture content reduced. During storage the heavy metal concentrations reduced but moisture content and TVB-N increased; indicators of deterioration. The study concluded that processes such as smoking, drying and salting contributed to the keeping quality of the fishes and reduced the bio-accumulated heavy metal concentrations of the fish species.