Heavy metal in edible seaweeds commercialized for human consumption

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.