Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Hide and Skin of Slaughtered Cattle and Goats in Anambra State, Nigeria (original) (raw)

Background: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among hazardous chemicals that may endanger food safety. In Nigeria, hides and skins of animals are edible and used in dishes. So, this study investigated the levels of PAHs in singed and unsinged hides and skins of animals slaughtered at three districts abattoirs (Obosi, Uga, and Kwata) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Methods: Using gas chromatography, the levels of PAHs were determined in 120 samples of raw and singed cattle hides and goat skins. Data were analyzed using the SPSS Windows software package (version 20.0). Results: The total PAHs of raw and singed cattle hides were respectively 0.80 and 12.33 μg/kg for Obosi district, 0.56 and 6.96 μg/kg for Uga district, and 8.30 and 16.24 μg/kg for Kwata district. Furthermore, the total PAHs levels in raw and singed goat skins were respectively 2.75 and 9.00 μg/kg for Obosi district, 1.76 and 6.42 μg/kg for Uga district, and 1.30 and 5.19 μg/kg for Kwata district. The levels of som...