Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risk Associated with Consumption of Canned Fish in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Environmental pollution with toxic metals can lead to possible contamination of the food chain. Fish consumption is essential for human nutrition, but exposure to heavy metals through fish can pose significant health risks. This study investigates the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Ní, Cu, Zn, Co and Cr) in canned fish commonly consumed in Jos, Nigeria and potential health risks. Heavy metal in canned fish were analyzed using standard techniques. The mean concentration of these metals’ ranges from Cd (0.052 – 0.295), As (0,015 – 0.166), Pb (0.001 – 0.173), Ni (0.023 – 0.086), Co (0.012 – 0.192), Hg (0.002 – 0.040), Zn (2.090 – 12.010), Cu (2.100 – 8,030) and Cr (0.100 – 4.010) in mg/kg. The estimated daily intake was all less than one except for Zn in sample A, B, C, E and H which have the values of 1.6598, 1.2635, 1.8804, 1.2056 and 1.7239 with Co having the value of 1.3573. The risk assessment due to potential exposure level showed that there was no health risk associated with these elements through consumption of this canned fish as the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) all had values of less than one for all the metals, which revealed non-carcinogenic risk. However, constant monitoring of these metals is recommended to avoid accumulation which may lead to potential risk to human as a result of consumption of canned fish. Particularly due t As, Cd, Hg, and Pb.