The effect of preservation methods on the chemical and mineral element composition of two fish species obtained from aba, nigeria

The mineral elements and proximate (protein, crude fat, crude ash, moisture and total carbohydrate) composition of Clarias gariepinus (Cat fish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) preserved by traditional methods (smoking, frying and steaming) were investigated by standard methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC). The mean protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate composition in g/100g for fresh Tilapia were found to be 21.54, 3.50, 0.43, 1.30, 61.00, 10.53, and for cat fish – 19.53 , 1.00, 1.30, 1.74, 76.40, 1.33 respectively. The fresh fish samples were preserved by smoking, frying and steaming, and the result of the proximate and mineral element analysis of the preserved samples showed that the nutrient contents were affected to varying degrees by the different preservation methods.