PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN PROCESSED ANIMAL SKIN SOLD IN MAJOR MARKETS IN SOUTH WEST NIGERIA.

Abstract

This study aimed at determining the nutritional and level of chemical contaminants (heavy metals and Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons PAHs) incommonly consumed animal skin sold in major markets in South-West, Nigeria. Proximate analysis (crude protein, moisture content, carbohydrate, ash content, oil content, nitrogen value and crude fibre) and heavy metals and PAHs concentrations were determined to evaluate the nutritional composition and safety of regular consumption of these products and to validate the notion that animal skin as a source of protein, can replace meat in meals. Samples of animal skin were purchased from three major markets in Lagos and Ogun State. Proximate composition was determine using standard analytical methods, while levels of heavy metal (Fe, Pb, Cd, Cr and As) and PAHs were using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and GC-MS respectively.The results of proximate composition were as follows (%); for the brown samples; the moisture content (≤81.40±1.80, ash content (≤0.94±0.01, oil content (≤1.60±0.01, crude protein (≤3.75±0.85, crude fibre (≤1.25±0.01) and carbohydrate (≤14.51±1.20). The concentrations of heavy metals detected in the samples were as follows (mg/kg); Fe ≤0.068±0.001, Cd ≤0.006±0.001, Pb≤0.004 ±0.001 and Cr≤0.004±0.001, all were below the maximum permissible limit set by WHO and USEPA while, Arsenic was below the detection limit of the instrument. Seventeen PAHs were detected in the samples and all were above the maximum permissible limits with high health risk. It is therefore advised that cow skin be discouraged and more awareness created so that people will know the dangers to health posed by this harmful practice.