title: Heavy Metals in Seafood and Farm Produce from Uyo, Nigeria: Levels and health implications.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to obtain representative data on the levels of heavy metals in seafood and farm produce consumed by the general population in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, a region known for the exploration and exploitation of crude oil.
  
  
  METHODS
  In May 2012, 25 food items, including common types of seafood, cereals, root crops and vegetables, were purchased in Uyo or collected from farmland in the region. Dried samples were ground, digested and centrifuged. Levels of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, cobalt and chromium) were analysed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Average daily intake and target hazard quotients (THQ) were estimated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight food items (millet, maize, periwinkle, crayfish, stock fish, sabina fish, bonga fish and pumpkin leaf) had THQ values over 1.0 for cadmium, indicating a potential health risk in their consumption. All other heavy metals had THQ values below 1.0, indicating insignificant health risks. The total THQ for the heavy metals ranged from 0.389 to 2.986. There were 14 items with total THQ values greater than 1.0, indicating potential health risks in their consumption.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The regular consumption of certain types of farm produce and seafood available in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, is likely adding to the body burden of heavy metals among those living in this region.
authors.affiliation: Toxicology Unit, Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Port-Harcourt, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria;
authors.forename: Orish E
authors.initials: OE
authors.lastname: Orisakwe
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria;
authors.forename: Herbert O C
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Mbagwu
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University of Science & Technology, Port-Harcourt, Nigeria.
authors.forename: Godwin C
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Ajaezi
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria;
authors.forename: Ukeme W
authors.initials: UW
authors.lastname: Edet
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria;
authors.forename: Patrick U
authors.initials: PU
authors.lastname: Uwana
keywords: Food; Food Safety Analysis; Heavy Metals; Nigeria; Recommended Daily Intake; Risk Assessment