Heavy Metals in Dried Squids (Loligo sp.) in Melaka Tengah District

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in dried squids (Loligo sp.). Dried squid samples were purchased randomly from different markets in Melaka Tengah district. The sampling was according to species with size ranging from 30 to 40 cm. The samples were homogenized and pounded to ash using muffle furnace. Then, they were analyzed using Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). The heavy metal concentrations were found to be in an order of Zn > Cu > Cd. All the studied heavy metal concentrations were below the maximum permissible levels postulated in Malaysian Food Act 1983 and its Regulations. The concentrations were also below the levels observed by several selected food safety guidelines. Hazard index for consumption of dried squids was less than 1.0 which indicates that the intake of heavy metals from the consumption of the dried squids does not pose a significant hazard to humans.