Potentially Toxic Element Pollution Levels in Clarias batracus (Cat fish) and Sediments of Onu Asu River in Arochukwu, Abia State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna PC, Demian PO, Ubuoh EA, Iwok ES, Ukpai NP
DOI Info: N/A
ABSTRACT
Pollution of water bodies with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can be detrimental to man and animals that depend on aquatic resources such as fish for food. This study aimed to determine the status of PTEs (Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd) distribution in Clarias batracus and sediments samples collected from the upstream, middle stream, and downstream of Onu Asu River in Arochukwu local government area of Abia State, Nigeria. The fish and sediment samples were dried, grinded, sieved, and digest separately in the laboratory to determine the concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The highest concentration of Ni (0.02± 0.01 and 0.22±0.01 mg/kg), Pb (0.023±0.015 and 2.05±0.13 mg/kg), and Cr (0.020±0.010 and 1.12±0.14 mg/kg) were recorded in cat fish and sediments respectively from the downstream. Cadmium (0.16±0.02 mg/kg) was highest in sediments from the downstream. The concentration of Cd (0.01±0.00 mg/kg) in cat fish is above the maximum permissible limit set by WHO while Pb (2.05±0.13 mg/kg) in sediment is higher than the standard limit set by FEPA and DPR, Nigeria. Sustained consumption of fish from Onu Asu River may pose health risks to the people. Therefore, periodic monitoring of contaminants in the River is recommended.
Affiliations: Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, PMB 7267, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria
Keywords: Onu Asu River, Potentially Toxic Elements, Cat Fish, Sediments, Pollution
Published date: 2020/06/30
