Microbiological, Proximate and Heavy Metal Concentration in Penaeus Sp. (Shrimp) and Calllinectes Sp. (Crab) from Creeks in Niger Delta Nigeria (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Crustacean constitutes an important food component for a large section of the world population, more so in developing countries where shellfish forms a cheap source of protein [1]. Among the range of shellfish, shrimps and crabs are the most important thereby accounting for more than 70% of the total earnings of marine export products [2]. Shellfish are nutritionally balanced, an excellent source of proteins, a good source of minerals and some vitamins and are also low in fats and cholesterol [3]. Crabs and shrimps have been used by riverine dwellers in Niger Delta as food condiments and are recommended for pregnant women and protein malnourished cases. They are also known to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. They are used in weight control and other disorders including cancer [4, 1 and 5].