Abstract

*Markmanuel D. P., Adowei P., and Young E.

ABSTRACT

The toxicity of heavy metals, their environmental mobility, bioavailability and tendency to accumulate in living systems are strictly correlated to their chemical forms (species) rather than total concentration. Usually, knowledge of total concentration of heavy metals give poor information about their potential risk in the environment and biota. However, this study investigated the speciation of Nickel and Cadmium concentrations in land snails (A. achatina and L. flemmea) and marine snails (P. aurita and T. fuscatus) from Bayelsa State, Nigeria, and the human health risks association via the consumption of these snails. The concentrations of Ni and Cd in the snails in the various fractions were analyzed using FAAS (GBC Avant aver 2.02 model). The non-polar and polar fractions of Ni and Cd concentrations ranked the highest in the snails. The concentration of Ni in all the snails in each fraction were higher than the limits set by regulatory bodies, while Cd concentrations were higher only in A. achatina in all the fractions except the residual fraction which was below the limits. Human health risk evaluation results showed that, the exposure to Ni and Cd via these snails will pose no carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks at the moment, however, continuous and excessive daily consumption above 0.025 mg/kg/bw-day may pose health risks in future. Therefore, moderate intake of these snails is recommended.