HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN SEDIMENTS, PRAWN AND FISH FROM THE ISAKA RIVER

Abstract

This study determined the heavy metal concentrations of sediments, prawn and fish (SP&F) of Isaka River. Samples were collected from four stations of the river viz; Bundu, Ibeto, Macoba and Union-Dicon. Samples were prepared using standard procedure, analysed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer for heavy metals; Vanadium, Chromium, Nickel, Copper, Barium, Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Lead. Results are as follows; Concentrations for Vanadium in Bundu, SP&F were 0.64±0.02, 1.44±0.02 and 3.94±2.16 mg/kg respectively; in Ibeto, Concentration were 0.71±0.01, 4.793.19 and 8.06±1.28 mg/kg for SP&F respectively. Macoba had concentrations of 0.85±0.02, 1.82±0.06 and 6.97±1.53 mg/kg, Union-Dicon had concentrations of 0.68±0.13, 1.66±0.02 and 7.06±1.19 mg/kg for SP&F respectively. Concentrations of chromium in the SP&F of Bundu were 3.11±0.00, 3.01±0.66 and 119.74±20.20 mg/kg, for Ibeto Concentrations were 2.37±0.38, 3.54±0.75 and 160.70±7.46 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations in SP&F for Macoba were 4.19±0.04, 4.96±0.59 and 143.60±4.72 mg/kg while Union-Dicon were 3.85±0.03, 7.11±1.99 and 162.06±13.09 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of nickel in Bundu SP&F were 1.71±0.11, 5.6±2.36 and 29.70±13.14 mg/kg while Ibeto were 1.54±0.02, 4.62±0.47 and 55.76±23.36 respectively. In Macoba and Union-Dicon the values for SP&F were 2.14±0.03, 6.72±1.22 and 57.48±4.72 mg/kg then 1.58±0.04, 7.21±2.24 and 44.50±4.51 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of copper in SP&F in Bundu, Ibeto, Macoba and Union-Dicon were 3.20±0.06, 4.29±0.07 and 178.01±3.74, 4.24±10.39, 7.34±1.50 and 230.94±97.6, 4.54±1.23, 8.59±0.77 and 196.95±2.13 then finally 5.47±2.09, 9.22±0.55 and 208.76±6.87 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of Barium in SP&F for Bundu were 1.51±0.27, 3.58±0.30 and 70.26±7.81 mg/kg respectively, concentrations in Ibeto were 1.98±0.15, 3.34±0.18 and 69.91±2.30 mg/kg, Macoba were 2.49±0.31, 4.04±0.91 and 65.20±25.05, mg/kg and in Union-Dicon the concentration were 2.79±0.11, 4.98±0.45 and 63.87±13.60 mg/kg for SP&F respectively. Cadmium, Arsenic, Mercury and Lead were all below detectable limit. The study reveals the river is polluted with heavy metals; this pollution renders the sea foods gotten from this river unsafe for human consumption.