Assessment of heavy metal contamination in fish feed available in three districts of South Western region of Bangladesh

Abstract

This study focused on the heavy metal content of fish feed locally available in the south western region (Satkhira, Khulna and Bagherhat districts) of Bangladesh from June to August 2016. Assessment of heavy metals was done using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Mainly five heavy metals were assessed namely Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Cromium (Cr), Aersenic (As) and Mercury (Hg). Graphite Furnace was used for Pb, Cd and Cr analysis. On the other hand, hydride generator system was used for As and cold vapor hydride generator system was used for Hg. The analytical procedure was checked using certified reference material DORM- 4 Fish protein for heavy metals. As and Hg were found below the detection limit. Cd concentration was found within the acceptable limit (0.29±0.08 mg/kg). On the other hand, the average Pb and Cr concentration in feed sample were 8.49±3.66 and 8.57±3.47 mg/kg respectively which are much higher than maximum consumption limit. EU maximum level for both Pb and Cr in fish feed is set at 5.0 mg/kg. The range of elemental concentrations (mg/kg) of fish feed were Cd (0.13-0.46), Pb (2.49-14.87), Cr (2.83-15.45) respectively.