Quantitative Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Fish Roasted with Firewood, Waste Tyres and Polyethylene Materials

Ujowundu Co Ogbede Ju

doi:10.4172/2161-1009.1000162

Abstract

The bioaccumulation and biomagnification of PAHs along successive trophic levels is an important means of exposure to human and animal life. This study evaluated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in fresh fish and fish samples processed/ roasted with smoke/heat/flame generated from firewood, waste tyre and polyethylene materials. PAHs and heavy metals were determined with Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) respectively. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in the concentrations of PAHs and heavy metals in the heat-processed fish when compared to fresh fish. Appreciable amount of carcinogenic PAHs; benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene benz(a)anthracene and dibenz(a,h)anthracene and heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) were detected in processed/roasted fish samples.

Highlights

Nigeria is one of the largest oil producing countries with enormous gas reserves and vast quantities of coal
The lack or poor knowledge of the toxicological implications on the use of these toxic materials is an important factor. It is on this backdrop that we evaluated the amount of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some heavy metals in fish roasted with firewood, waste tyre and polythene materials as energy sources
Differences were observed in the concentration of PAHs amongst fresh fish (Figure 1), fishes roasted with heat/smoke generated from wood (Figure 2), fish roasted with waste polyethylene (Figure 3) and waste tyre materials (Figure 4)

Summary

Introduction

Nigeria is one of the largest oil producing countries with enormous gas reserves and vast quantities of coal. There are large expanses of rain and mangrove forest with lush green vegetations This implies abundant energy for domestic and industries uses. Most forest and fallowed farm lands serve as sink for pollutants generated by industries and households [4,5] Despite these energy sources, most households and cottage industries cut corners by using and sourcing material which can be toxic as energy sources during food processing and preparation. Most households and cottage industries cut corners by using and sourcing material which can be toxic as energy sources during food processing and preparation Some of these materials include plastics, waste tyres, different package materials, waste engine oil, plastic foil etc. Some of these materials include plastics, waste tyres, different package materials, waste engine oil, plastic foil etc. poor recycling culture and poor technological base have created opportunity for the use of waste tyres and plastics (polyethylene) materials as alternative energy sources

Methods

Results

Conclusion