The Bioscientist (May 2013)
Assessment of The Quality of Fresh Fish Sold in Awka Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Abstract
This study assessed the quality of fresh fish sold in Awka metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria. A total of four samples each from two popular species sold in the area were used. The species were Mackerel and Horse fish. Total volatile nitrogen (TVN) and Peroxide value (PV) of the samples were analyzed and the results were as follows: sample A had the total volatile nitrogen (TVN) of 11.20+.10mgN/100g and peroxide value (PV) of 0.40+.14meq/kg; sample B had total volatile nitrogen (TVN) of 15.12+.21mgN/100g and PV of 12.40+.10meq/kg; sample C had TVN content of 26.00+.14mgN/100g and PV content of 16.00+.23meq/kg while sample D had TVN content of 19.95+.78mgN/100g and PV content of 19.80+.71meq/kg. The TVN and PV contents of samples A and B were below the standard stipulated by Pearson while the TVN of sample C and sample D were slightly above the standard set by Pearson who stipulated 16.5mgN/100g and less than 20meq/kg for TVN and PV respectively. The results showed that the fish sold in Awka may be largely safe for human consumption. Further studies are required to ascertain this.
