Heavy Metals Levels in Dried Fish Consumed in Benin and Warri Metropolis; Levels and Health Risk Assessment

Heavy metals levels in dried Clarias gariepinus and Channa obscura from three major markets in Benin metropolis were investigated in this work. Samples were purchased, dried and digested by standard method and the metals levels were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean levels of cadmium and lead (0.48±0.06 and 1.36±1.13 mg/kg) and (0.62±0.45 and 5.60±7.43 mg/kg) for Clarias gariepinus and Channa obscura were found to be higher than EU standard. Zinc, Cu, Cr, Fe and Mn had mean values of 2.2±0.85 and 3.18±3.36 mg/kg, 4.12±0.92 and 3.44±0.76 mg/kg, 0.11±0.02 and 0.26±0.3 mg/kg,25.74±8.06 and 8.55±2.95 mg/kg, 1.8±0.56 and 0.6±0.21 mg/kg for Clarias gariepinus and Channa obscura respectively. The Estimated Daily Intake calculated were low and Target Hazard Quotient<1 with no risk of  non-cancer toxic effect in both species. The levels of cadmium and lead in the dried fish suggest the need to constantly monitor these metals in our water bodies as well as our foods