This study has investigated the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Fe in
P. aurita
and
T. fuscatus
obtained from Bayelsa State, Nigeria and assessed the health risks associated with
the consumption of these shellfishes. The concentrations of the metals in mg/kg dry wt basis
mean ± SD were Cu (57.0 ± 4.0) Zn (63.8 ± 9.6) and Fe (1260 ± 159.2) in
P. aurita, while
T.
fuscatus were, Cu (33.3 ± 1.43), Zn (77.7 ± 9.19) and Fe (1985 ± 4.89). These values were
higher than the guideline of WHO, and FEPA. The estimated daily intake of the metals in the
periwinkles was all higher than their provisional tolerable daily and weekly intakes set by
regulatory bodies. The non-carcinogenic risks (THQ and HI) of the individual and combined
risk of the metals were within the limit of 1 set by USEPA, indicating no health risk at the
moment. However, considering the bioaccumulative nature of heavy metals moderate intake of
these periwinkles are recommended to avoid human health risk to consumers in future.