Browsing by Author "Mohamed,Zeyana Nassor"

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Evaluation of heavy metals contamination in rabbit fish (signus sutor) from selected landing sites in Zanzibar, Tanzania
(Journal of Food Safety and Hygiene, 2023) Mohamed,Zeyana Nassor; Zacharia,Abdulsudi Issa; Nyamete,Frida
The increase of heavy metals concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial environments and their toxicity is of global concern. The bioaccumulation of toxic metals in fish poses a serious risk to human health when consumed. This study assessed the quality of Rabbit fish (Signus Sutor) and their associated health risks from four landing sites (namely Malindi, Mazizini, Kizimkazi and Matemwe) in Zanzibar. The concentrations of toxic metals, including Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), and Arsenic (As), in the fish muscle were scrutinized using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The detected mean concentration (mg/kg) of Pb, As, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Ni at Malindi were 0.25±0.14, 2.22±0.44, 0.02±0.02, 0.01±0.00, 0.02±0.02 and 0.00±0.00 respectively; at Kizimkazi were 0.39±0.39, 2.30±0.44, 0.11±0.01, 0.07±0.04, 0.17±0.13 and 0.15±0.04 respectively: at Matemwe were 0.38±0.12, 0.52±0.14, 0.04±0.02, 0.05±0.01, 0.65±0.21 and 0.09±0.03 respectively; and Mazizini were 0.21±0.12, 5.56±1.37, 0.02±0.02, 0.03±0.01, 0.05±0.02 and 0.15±0.05 respectively. The mean concentration levels detected for all the elements in the fish gathered from all four landing sites were below international and local maximum (FAO/WHO) permissible limits for human consumption, except for Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb). The study also investigated the relationship between fish size and metal concentration which shows a positive correlation for Cu and Ni. However, it was negative for the remaining metals, possibly due to ecological and metabolic differences. The study emphasizes the necessity for regular monitoring of the marine environment and enforcement of hygienic regulations, as well as the treatment of land-based pollutants before they are discharged into the marine environment to protect fish quality
Microbiological quality of rabbit fish (signus sutor) and food safety practice of fish handlers from selected landing sites in Zanzibar
(2023) Mohamed,Zeyana Nassor; Zacharia,Abdulsudi Issa; Nyamete,Frida
The study aimed to evaluate the handling practices and microbiological contamination of pathogenic bacteria in Rabbit Fish (Signus Sutor) from Zanzibar, specifically at four landing sites: Malindi, Mazizini, Kizimkazi, and Matemwe. A semi-structured questionnaire and checklist were used to assess hygiene practices by fish handlers, and swabbing method was used to assess cleanliness of the boat and landing floor before fish were collected for consumption. Standard methods for microbial analysis (ISO7218:2007(E)) were used to analyze Total viable counts, S. aureus, E. coli, and Salmonella. The mean total viable (TVC) ranged from 2.82-3.30 log CFU/g across landing sites. S. aureus was the most frequently isolated bacterium, with an isolation rate of 53.33% in Malindi, 60% in both Mazizini and Kizimkazi, and 46.67% in Matemwe. E. coli was present but less frequently, with isolation rates of 6.67% in Malindi, 33.33% in Mazizini and Kizimkazi, and 20% in Matemwe. Salmonella spp was absent in all samples, with a 0% isolation rate across landing sites. There was positive correlation of 0.59 and 0.65 between fish contamination and swab samples from boats and landing floors respectively. Inadequate practices by fish handlers, such as not wearing gloves, neglecting health checks, and insufficient training, were revealed. The facilities used were also poor, with poor sanitation and low-quality raw materials. The findings emphasize the urgent need for intervention measures to enhance fish quality and safety in Zanzibar, including improvements in raw materials, infrastructure, training, and good practices throughout the fish value chain.