Screening of Achatina achatina and Pila ovata for Trace Metals in Makurdi Metropolis

Abstract

The viscera and shells of Achatina achatina and Pila ovata were analysed for the following trace metals; copper, cadmium, lead, iron, arsenic and zinc. The results indicate the mean concentrations (mg/g) of Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn for the viscera of Achatina achatina to be 0.31, 0.43, 0.50 and 0.47, respectively, while the values for the shell Achatina achatina were as follow; 0.08, 0.79, 0.74 and 1.81 for Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn, respectively. The viscera of Pila ovata had 0.14, 0.92, 0.78 and 0.72 as mean concentrations values in mg/g for Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn, respectively. The mean concentration values (mg/g) for Cu, Pb, Fe and Zn in Pila ovata shells were found to be 0.56, 0.92, 0.58 and 1.47, respectively. Cadmium and arsenic concentrations were not detected in both the viscera and shells of Achatina achatina and Pila Ovata. Generally, the concentrations of these trace metals in the samples were low but continuous bioaccumulation may lead to some health threat.