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Objective: The unhygienic nature of our local markets, including fish handlers, may contribute to the presence of microorganisms in smoked fish leading to food poisoning. Furthermore, heavy metals can find their way into the food chain through fish raising public health concerns. This study assessed the microbial load and some heavy metals in smoked fishes (bongafish and catfish) sold in urban and rural markets in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Standard microbiological techniques and analytical procedures were used for microbial and heavy metals analyses, respectively. Results: The results revealed that all the smoked fish obtained from the two markets were contaminated with heavy metals and microorganisms. Zinc was the most frequently detected heavy metal in both fish types (catfish: 15.50 ± 9.99 mg/kg; and bongafish: 16.40 ± 12.28 mg/kg) obtained from urban market, while in the rural market, it was cadmium (catfish: 15.95 ± 10.15 mg/kg; and bongafish: 18.25 ± 7.15 mg/kg). The overall elemental concentrations of the heavy metals in the fishes were in decreasing order of Cadmium>Zinc>Nickel>Cobalt>Lead. The most predominant bacterial species in fishes from the urban market was Bacillus subtilis (7.5 × 104 ± 0.871 colony- forming unit/g) while Candida tropicalis (9.2 × 104 ± 0.105) was the most predominant fungal species. More bacteria and fungi were encountered in fishes from the rural market than from the urban market. The differences in the microbial loads from the two markets were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Conclusion: There is a potential health risk of eating smoked fishes that are poorly stored or handled in the market as a result of heavy metal contamination and the presence of the pathogenic organism. Therefore, maintenance and enforcement of adequate sanitation practices in these markets should be encouraged to avert unpleasant health consequences.

Aims: This study aimed to determine levels of trace metals in Qua Iboe river estuary (QIRE), Ibeno and estimate human health risk associated with water from the river via ingestion and dermal exposure. Method: Trace metals in water from QIRE was measured using atomic absorption spectrophotometer and human health risk induced by the trace metals in dry and wet seasons was investigated using mathematical models recommended by United States Environmental Potential Agency (USEPA). Results: The range for the different metals investigated in dry season were as follows: Pb (0.147 to 0.19mg/l), Cd (0.02 to 0.31mg/l), V(0.04 to 0.11mg/l), Cr (0.09 to 0.18mg/l), Ni (0.28 to 0.61mg/l), Fe (8.78 to 13.97mg/l), Zn (0.13 to 0.56mg/l). The results for wet season were: Pb (0.07 to 0.19mg/l), Cd (0.05 to 0.31mg/l), V (0.01 to 0.03mg/l), Cr (0.02 to 0.15mg/l), Ni (0.03 to 2.33mg/l), Fe (0.02 to 4.92mg/l), Zn (0.11 to 0.43mg/l). Concentrations of metals were above USEPA limits except Zn. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) values via ingestion of water were greater than one while the THQ values via dermal contact were greater than one for Cd only. The combined target hazard index (HI*) from ingestion and dermal contact of water was greater than unity for Cd, Cr and Pb for wet and dry seasons. Conclusion: Findings in this study show that Pb, Cd and Cr may contribute to health risk from dermal and oral exposure to water from the QIRE systems. Constant monitoring and remediation processes of the QIRE are strongly recommended.

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The physicochemical properties, total metal, metal fractions, and related human health problems of metals in oil-bearing soils of Akwa Ibom State were appraised using standard procedures. The study aimed at assessing the effects of crude oil and related activities on the properties of soil including metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb and V), their fractions and associated health problems. Results showed that, levels of parameters were higher in the soils examined than in the control. The entire metals examined, apart from Cd, were within their acceptable limits however; higher than the limits for agricultural soils. Cd and Cr existed mainly in the readily available fraction, while Ni, Pb, and V occurred mainly in the reducible fraction in the studied soils. Conversely, these metals, except Cd, occurred principally in the inert fraction in the control. V/Ni ratio confirmed the soils as oil-forming continents and of organic matter origin. The natural factor, crude oil, and oil-related activities were major sources of soil contaminants. Anthropogenic proportions of metals were more in the soils investigated than in the background soil. The locations were contaminated with metals. Daily intake rates of metals were within their recommended doses except for Pb. The pollution status of the oil-bearing soils and the related human health risks have been revealed.

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