Author(s): Akinrotimi OA, Amachree D and Gentle CG

Abstract: Heavy metals concentration in some shell fishes (Crassostreagasar, Senilia senilis, Tympanotonus fuscatus and Thais coronata) sold in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, was investigated. Samples were procured from Creek road marketat three consecutive times and categorized into three class sizes: small (<25mm), medium (25-50mm), and large (>50mm). Samples were analysed for chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni),cadmium (Cd), lead (Pd) and zinc (Zn).The results showed that the metals (Cr, Ni, Cd, Pd and Zn) concentration (mean ± SD, µg/g, n= 10 ) in the soft tissues of all shell fishes sampled apart from Cr and Ni concentrations in T. fuscatuswere within the permissible limit by the World health organisation (WHO).Chromium concentration inthe soft tissue of T. fuscatus ranged from 3.36 to 5.55 µg/g. There were no overall statistical significant difference (p>0.05) in metals concentration in the soft tissues in all three sizes (small, medium and big) sampled for T. coronate, S. senilis, and C. gasarapart from T. fuscatus. There was significant (p<0.05) increase with size in Cd concentration in the soft tissue of T. fuscatus.

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