%0 Journal Article
%T Trace Metals Levels in African Giant Land Snails (<em>Achatina achatina</em>) from Selected Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
%A Ishaq S. Eneji
%A Raymond A. Wuana
%A Utibe J. Akpan
%J Open Access Library Journal
%V 3
%N 3
%P 1-9
%@ 2333-9721
%D 2016
%I Open Access Library
%R 10.4236/oalib.1102244
%X Trace metals (As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and Se) in African giant land snails from
selected Local Government Areas (LGA) in Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria were analysed
using atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) technique. Results showed that
the mean levels of Cr (399 ¡À 195 mg/kg) and Se (51.6 ¡À 31.3 mg/kg) were significantly
higher (P &lt; 0.05) than the maximum recommended limits of 1.0 mg/kg and 3.5 mg/kg
for Cr and Se, respectively. As, Cd and Pb levels were beyond the detection limit
in the snail samples obtained from Essien Udim, Ikot Ekpene and Etim Ekpo LGA. Similarly,
Hg level was beyond the detection limit in all samples investigated. The general
pattern of trace metals levels was in the order: Cr &gt; Se &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt;
As &gt; Hg. The results showed that As and Hg fell within their permissible safe
levels; but Cd, Cr, Pb and Se were significantly above safe levels for human consumption.
The high concentration of trace metals in the snail samples may be related to anthropogenic
activities taking place in the areas studied.
%K Trace Metals
%K <i>Achatina achatina</i>
%K Bioaccumulation
%K Akwa Ibom
%K Anthropogenic
%K Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry
%U http://www.oalib.com/paper/3154115