INDUSTRIAL IMPACT ON SELECTED HEAVY METALS IN ECONOMIC FISH WITHIN THE RIVER IN NNEWI-NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, ANAMBRA STATE NIGERIA

Abstract

This work was carried out to research on the Industrial impact of selected heavy metals in economic fish samples in Eze river of Nnewi-North, Anambra State, Nigeria. The levels of seven heavy metals (Pb, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Cd) in selected fish samples (Clariasgariepinus, Oreochromisneloticus, Pseudotolithus elongates) from the area were detected using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique. The HN03-HCl method was used in the fish sample digestion. All the fish samples collected from the Eze river contained the six heavy metals analyzed. The mean concentrations(µg/g) of heavy metals in the fish samples from the studied area were 1.85 for Pb, 0.86 for Mn, 3.38 for Zn, 1.18 for Cr, 2.84 for Cu and 0.43 for Cd. With the exception of Pb and Cd most metals were within the acceptable levels in the fish. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and the hazard index (HI) values were evaluated in order to assess the health risk of the inhabitants of Nnewi-north and environs due to heavy metal intake from food crops. The values were less than 1 in all the fish samples; therefore, their consumption does not pose any health risk concern. Metal-metal correlation was carried out using Pearson’s product moments. Most elemental pairs show significant correlation with each other, this implies that each paired element has common pollution sources. In conclusion, the investigated area has been affected by the industrial activities. So control measures stated by regulatory authorities should be enforced in all the industries.