Copper, Lead and Zinc Concentration in Water, Sediments and Catfish (Clarias macrocephalus Gunther) from Butuanon River, Metro Cebu, Philippines

Abstract

Copper, lead and zinc contamination is a serious hazard. In this study, the concentration of these metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy in the water, sediment and in the muscle, liver and gills of catfish (Clarias macrocephalus) collected from three sampling stations of Butuanon River, Metro Cebu, Philippines. Water analysis results showed that no station exceeded the Philippines DAO 34 Series of 1990 standard at 0.05ppm both for Cu and Pb. Both Cu and Zn concentration in sediments showed no significant difference but Pb concentration tends to increase from upstream to downstream station without exceeding the Kloke's Maximum Allowable Limit at 100ppm. The Pb concentration in C. macrocephalus from downstream station exceeded Europe's Maximum Allowable Limit in fishes set at 2ppm. All metals are concentrated in the organs in this order liver>gills>muscle. The Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) values for organisms are within noncritical range of 0.270 to 1.819. Using regression analysis, metal concentrations in the sediment were found to positively affect the metal concentration in catfish opposite to that of the water. Organic matter negatively affects Cu concentration. Results indicate that Zn is naturally abundant in Butuanon River, while Pb and Cu are introduced through industrial and agricultural activities.