Heavy Metal Residues and Bacterial Pathogens of Food Safety Significance in Edible Crustacean from Crude-Oil-Impacted Niger Delta, Nigeria

The study investigated heavy metal residues and bacterial pathogens in blue crab (Callinectes amnicola), crayfish (Nematopaelemon hastatus), giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon), and Indian prawn (Fenneropenaeus indicus) from crude oil impacted Niger Delta waters. Standard methods of analysis were applied in all determinations. Results indicate that chromium, lead, and mercury were within regulatory acceptable levels. Total viable count (TVC) was below threshold, while Vibrio cholerae, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Salmonella typhimurium were isolated from all crustacean species. The distribution pattern of pathogens showed blue crab accumulated the highest population of pathogens. Consumption of crustaceans from the location exemplifies conflict of nutrient benefits and risks.