Abstract
Concentrations of potentially toxic metals were determined in crayfish (Palaemon hastatus) commonly consumed in Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Results revealed that Fe had the highest mean value of 18.88 ± 0.10 μg/g, while Pb had the least (0.91 ± 0.01 μg/g). Cluster analysis showed close inter-element relationships between the metals, indicating similar chemical properties and/or genetic origin. Correlation matrix indicated positive and significant correlations between Cr/Cd, Fe/Cd, Fe/Cr, Pb/Cd, Pb/Fe and Cu/Zn, establishing chemical affinity. Estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient and cancer risk showed that there was no health risk associated with the consumption of the crayfish. Relative risk showed that potential health risk could be attributed only to Cd level. The study concluded that consumption of the crayfish may not pose health risk to human health at the levels of the analysed metals, but should be consumed moderately to prevent bioaccumulation of the metals most importantly Cd.