Determination of some metals in Clarias gariepinus (Cuvier and Vallenciennes), Cyprinus carpio (L.) and Oreochromis niloticus (L.) fishes in a polyculture fresh water pond and their environments

Abstract

An investigation into the concentrations and distributions of zinc, lead, manganese, iron, copper, sodium, potassium and cobalt in the soil sediments, pond water and the organs of Clarias gariepinus (Cuvier and Vallenciennes), Cyprinus carpio (L.) and Oreochromis niloticus (L.) was undertaken with a view to evaluating the interplay of these inorganic minerals in the various matrices. The fishes have variable sizes while organs investigated in them were sex organs, gills, liver, intestine, eyes, head, scales, swim bladder and the trunk muscles, as appropriate. Copper and cobalt were not detected in any of the samples while other elements were more concentrated in the soil than in the water, while they were more concentrated in the fish organs than in water. Zinc, sodium and potassium values were higher in the fish organs than both in water and the soil sediments, thereby showing a high level of bioconcentration. The trace metals determined were below the deleterious level while the water quality was within the normal water quality for fresh water fishes.