Analysis of Heavy Metals Contaminating Water and Fish Species in Kwanar-Are Dam, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This work is aimed to determine the quantities of heavy metals in the water, and three different fish species (Bugrus bayad, Tilapia, and synoduntis) present in Kwanar Are Dam. In the adjacent villages, the dam provides the main water supply for domestic uses, agriculture, fishing, and drinking. Water and fish samples were examined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) to measure the levels of heavy metals. The water sample tested positive for Cd 0.183 mg/l, Cu 0.286 mg/l, Cr 0.233 mg/l, Mn 0.081 mg/l, Ni 0.179 mg/l, Pb 0.166 mg/l, and Zn 0.145 mg/l, according to the results. Cu, Mn, and Ni were below the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended levels. However, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn exceeded these limits. The levels of heavy metals in the fish samples ranged from 0.275 to 0.581 mg/kg for Cadmium, 0.520 to 0.837 mg/kg for Copper, 0.205 to 0.512 mg/kg for Nickel, 0.205 to 0.512 mg/kg for Lead, and 0.333 to 0.611 mg/kg for Tilapia, Bugrus, and Synoduntis fish, respectively. Chromium, Lead, Cadmium, Nickel, Zinc, and Manganese levels were lower than copper concentrations. Manganese and nickel concentrations in the fish exceeded what the WHO considered safe. The results of this study show that heavy metals have accumulated in the fish species that live in the Kwanar Are Dam, proving that the dam is contaminated. While some heavy metals in the water and fish samples were within the World Health Organization (WHO)'s (recommended limits), others, including Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn, were over these levels. This suggests a possible health danger for the locals who depend on the dam as their main water source for daily activities.