Comparative Studies on the Mineral Elemental Composition of Gamma Irradiated Smoked Shrimps (Penaeus notialis) from 3 Different Water Sources in Ghana

Dry and smoked shrimp constitute an important nutrient supplement for the populace in Ghana. Shrimp continues to represent one of the safest forms of muscle protein consumed in the world. Despite this safety record, shrimp have a high tolerance to toxins in polluted areas. The effect of irradiation on the nutrient and mineral elements including heavy metals were examined after storage for 4 months in dense polyethylene bowls. Elemental composition was estimated by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). The Flame Photometer (FP) was used in the determination of Sodium and Potassium. There were clear differences in the concentration of heavy metals, and macro nutrients (Mg, K, Na, Zn) due to influence of the type of water body they dwelled in. Irradiation had some or no effect on the concentration of these listed elemental and components, but there were interactions between sources of shrimp, storage time and irradiation dose in some instances. Multivariate analysis of elemental composition showed that, accumulation of Fe, Cu, Zn, and N was generally attended by uptake of Pb, Cr, Na, and K. The order of elemental concentration (in decreasing order) was: Fe > Cu > Zn > N > Mn >Pb> Cr >Na > K > Ni > Cd.