Heavy Metals Concentration in Fish and Water of River Osse Benin City Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metals concentration on fish and potable water in River Osse (Nigeria). The need to provide good and potable water for domestic uses, protection of people and fisheries health and to ensure sustainability of the environment was a great and urgent concern in the Osse community for who the River represents their source of water supply. To this aim, fish and water samples were collected at three different points. Four metals (chromium Cr, copper Cu, nickel Ni and vanadium V) in the fish and water were analysed. The mean concentration values recorded in the fishes were in the range of 0.0667-0.2467mg/kg for Cr, 6.15-18.32mg/kg for Cu, 12.41-27.75mg/kg for Ni, and 0.2133-0.3500mg/kg for V. while the corresponding mean values recorded for water are in the range of 0-0.02mg/l for Cr, 0.17-0.19mg/l for Cu, 0.51-0.59mg/l for Ni, and 0-0.02mg/l of V. Significant differences (P< 0.05) were recorded between heavy metals levels in fish caught at the three points and in the water samples. The results of this research showed that the concentrations of Ni and Cr for fish exceeded the recommended limit set by FAO for fish and fishery product. The concentration of Ni exceeded the recommended limit set by WHO for potable drinking water, while the corresponding concentration of V exceeded limit reported by the Department of Petroleum Resources in freshwater environments in Nigeria.