Assessment of Trace Metal Composition in Fish Samples from Nworie River

Abstract

This investigation surveyed heavy metal content of fish samples from Nworie river. The elements studied were Pb, Fe, Cd, Mn, Hg, Cu and Zn. The fish samples were collected from different locations in the river. The fish samples were analyzed for heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The elemental toxicants Fe, Cd, Mn were identified in fresh fish specie Tilapia guineensis of mean values 3.275, 0.048 and 0.103 ppm, respectively, whereas Pb was below detection level. The analysis also shows Cu and Zn level of mean values 1.247 ppm and 3.241 ppm in Tilapia guineensis respectively. Also Hg was below detection level in Tilapia guineensis. The analysis of frozen fish samples purchased from Ekeonunwa market located 3 km from the river shows Pb, Fe and Cd levels of mean values 0.50, 4.73 and 0.05 ppm respectively. Also frozen fish analysis shows concentration of Mn, Hg, Cu and Zn of mean values 11.82, 0.0083, 8.00 and 1.02 ppm, respectively. There are three institutions that discharge untreated waste products into Nworie river. In view of this, there is need to determine the level of contamination of the river, since the inhabitants depend on the river for fishing and other domestic uses. This study is aimed at determining the level of heavy metal contaminants in fish samples from Nworie river. The effects of these elemental toxicants and the associated health hazards were examined.