HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN SEDIMENTS AND BIOACCUMULATIONS IN CATFISH (SILURIFORMES) AND TOMATO FRUIT (LYCOPERSIUM ESCALENTUM) FROM UNRECLAIMED MINING PITS

Abstract

The study examined the levels of selected heavy metal in sediments and their bioaccumulation in catfish (Oreochromis niloticus) and Tomatos (Lycopersium escalentum) from selected unreclaimed mining pits used for irrigation and fish farming in Bukuru town, Jos south Local Government Area “L.G.A” Plateau State. Five (5) unreclaimed ponds were purposively selected; sediment, fish and tomato samples were collected from January to September, with January to March representing dry season and April to September as rainy season. Thirty-two (32) water samples were collected across the study area, while six (6) samples of fish and tomato were collected, three (3) for each season in addition to two controls sampled for different seasons. Samples were analyzed for Cd, Mn, Hg, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ur and Zn. All the heavy metal parameters except Zn, exceeded levels observed at control point as well as maximum permissible limits in the rainy season. Comparison of mean seasonal levels of heavy metals in sediment samples with control, revealed statistical difference at ρ < 0.05, d = 0.007. Similar pattern was observed for the dry season at ρ > 0.05, d = 0.008, an indication that the level of heavy metals presence in sediment samples from unreclaimed mining pits is statistically higher than levels at control point, irrespective of season. Similar results were obtained for Catfish in both seasons (ρ < 0.05, d = 0.006 and ρ < 0.05, d = 0.02) and Tomatoes (ρ < 0.05, d = 0.003 and ρ < 0.05, d = 0.04). These sites should be urgently reclaimed using approved reclamation techniques to eradicate the adverse health impact of consumption of the fruits, animal protein and vegetables cultivated at the sites.