The proximate and mineral composition of dried catfish (Clarias gariepinus)
obtained from four different markets (Idi-Ape, Ipata, Unity and Ojatutun) in
Ilorin metropolis, Kwara State, Nigeria were analyzed and compared with
catfish smoked with Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI)
smoking Kiln following standard methods. The samples collected were Idi-Ape
(A, B, C), Ipata (A, B, C), Unity (A, B, C) and Ojatutun (A, B, C). The highest
protein content (64.23±0.03%) was recorded in Unity B sample while the least
protein content (42.76%) was recorded in Unity A which also had highest
moisture content (44.57±0.33%). Also, NSPRI processed fish had the highest
fat content and Ipata B had highest ash content (16.64±0.47%). The results of
the mineral composition of the various dried catfish samples showed that the
highest concentration of arsenic was detected in Ipata C sample and the
concentration (1.64±0.01PPM) was significantly (p=0.05) higher than other
samples. The concentration of cadmium was highest in Unity A sample
(0.036±0.01PPM). Different concentrations of other minerals such as copper,
manganese, lead, zinc, iron, calcium, sodium potassium, aluminium and
magnesium were also detected. The presence of heavy metals (arsenic,
cadmium, and lead) may be due to the contamination of the water used in
breeding the fish. Considering the health risk of these heavy metals, care should
be taken to reduce fish contamination. Relevant agencies should train fish
farmers on proper siting of fishpond and management to reduce the risk of
heavy metal contamination.
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Authors: Nwaehujor Idorenyin Ugochi1, Dada Olarewaju Adewumi, Ige Itohan Mercy, Adebayo Odunayo
Benedicta, Adediji Adetutu Yetunde, Oyebanji Adeola Olufemi and Ibrahim Adeola Saeed
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