Target hazard quotient evaluation of selected trace elements in highly consumed crustacean species in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Crustaceans are known for their trace element bioaccumulation abilities. Muscle tissues of lagoon crab, marine crab, pink shrimp and mantis shrimp marketed for consumption in Nigeria were analyzed for Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg and Cr levels using standard methods. Muscle levels in mg kg^-1 of Mn (0.03±0.00 in lagoon crab), Fe (0.072±0.01 in mantis shrimp), Cu (0.344±0.01 in lagoon crab) and Zn (0.073±0.00 in mantis shrimp) were significantly different (p<0.05) from their corresponding values in other examined crustaceans. The mean values of Cr and Hg were not significantly different across samples. The estimated daily intake of trace element (mg person^-1day^-1) revealed that Hg (0.000001) in marine crab contributed the lowest daily intake while Zn (0.000226) in lagoon crab contributed the highest daily intake. Total hazard quotient (THQ) values for the trace elements followed descending order of Hg > Cu > Zn > Fe > Mn > Cr. Lagoon crab showed the highest total hazard index among the organisms with 44.80 %, while the least was observed in mantis shrimp with 13.30 %. It is concluded that, as far as human health is concerned, the mean elemental levels in the muscle tissues of the organisms examined pose no danger (THQ < 1).