HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND BIOACCUMULATION INDEX IN FISH (Chrysicthys walkeri) FROM WARRI RIVER

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of any heavy metal above its maximum limits invariably results tothe detrimental health of an organism. This present study was carried out to evaluatethe levels of eight heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Cd) in surface water,sediment and bioaccumulation index of (Chrysicthys walkeri) from Warri River, DeltaState, Nigeria. Samples were collected between the period of July to September,2015 from two designated stations. The order of heavy metal mean rank profile, insurface water, sediment and fish were Pb>Mn>Fe>Zn>Cr>Cd>Ni>Cu;Fe>Zn>Ni>Cu>Mn>Cd>Pb>Cr and Pb>Ni>Zn>Mn>Cd>Fe>Cr>Cu respectively.When compared with regulatory standards of WHO, FAO and FEPA threshold limitmost of the metals were above the limits for both water, sediment and fish Tissue.The bioaccumulation index of fish were above BI ? 1.0 indicating possibility ofecological concern. These findings implies that Warri River is polluted andconsumption of these fishes could have grave health consequences even with theexcellent condition factor of the fishes. Therefore, the input of pollutants into this rivershould be monitored in order to avoid associated risks