Abstract:
This research aimed at provides information on the concentrations of several harmful
heavy metals present in commercialized seaweeds samples and compare with the
Malaysian Food Act 1983 (act 281) & Regulations. Comparison of concentration heavy
metals in different brands of commercial seaweed were performed and focus on
analyzing the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, Cd) in the algae based
products for direct consume edible seaweed found at the market of Malaysia by using
AAS (atomic absorption spectrometry). A total 18 samples were obtained from different
brands which are brands Feng Xia, Shun Tai, Ren He Trading , Sumo (a), Sabah Wet
Market (a), Sabah Wet Market (b), Xing Lang, Sumo (b), Jia Sheng, New Sun, Giant, Bei
Shan Wan, Triple-M, D & C, Shan Zhi Zhen, Fei Yan Pai, AAA and Shuang Deng Pai
throughout MalaysiaUndaria (wakame), Porphyra (Nori), Laminaria (Kombu) and
Kappaphycus alarezii (Eucheuma cottonii) were purchased for this research. It is
concluded that 22.2% of the brands of seaweed exceeded the limits set for Cadmium and
Lead. Brand Feng Xia and Sabah Wet Market (a) were the seaweed brands which all of
the heavy metals content are within the permissible level of Malaysians Food Act 1983.
The other sixteen brand of edible seaweed are exceeded at least one type of heavy metals
content. Brand Feng Xia and Sabah Wet Market (a) brand of edible seaweed not
contaminated by heavy metals.
