Koleleni, Yusuf I. A.; Haji, O. O.
Description:
Shellfish is one of the major sources of food for coastal population of
Zanzibar. Toxicity of shell fish by heavy metals is of concern to consumers.
This study aimed at assessing the metal concentrations of the shellfish
along the coast in the neighbourhood of Sea Port of Zanzibar. Shellfish
(namely oysters, mussels, clams and crabs) were collected for the
assessment on effects of heavy metal contamination among the aquatic
organisms. The concentrations of the shellfish were determined using
Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). The concentrations
analysed include Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and As. The range ofCd, Cr, Ni,
Mn and Zn were found to be higher in clams while Fe, Pb and Cu were found
to be higher in crabs. The values of Cr, Cu, Zn, As and
shellfish species appear to be higher than the values reported in the
literature.