Spatial Variation Of Heavy Metals In Blue Crab (Calinectes Amnicola) Harvested From The Water Front Of Some Fishing Communities In River State, Nigeria.
Davies I C
Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Nkeeh D K
World Bank Africa Centre of Excellence, Centre for Oilfield Chemicals Research, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Akoko S
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Clinical Science, College of Health science, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Ariri I P
Deprtment of Biology, Federal College of Education Technology, Omoku, Rivers State, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Keywords: Heavy metal, physicochemical parameters, sediment and C. amnicola
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the spatial variation of the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals in surface water, sediment and selected fish samples (calinectes amnicola) harvested from the water front of some fishing communities in river state, Nigeria. The physicochemical parameters were analylised using the in-situ multi-meter) while the heavy metals were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. There was a spatial and temporal statistical difference (p<0.05) in all the parameters. The range for physicochemical parameters was as follows; temperature (27.6oC-28.4oC), pH (6.4-7.9), salinity (68µm/cm-131µm/cm), TSS (182.5mg/l-233mg/l) and DO (2.5mg/l-3.7mg/l). In surface waters, Iron and zinc were above EFA (2017) and WHO (2011) permissible limit of 3mg/kg for Zinc and 0.5mg kg-1 for Iron while in the tissues of C. amnicola, sediments and surface waters while coper was above the limit. The metals content in the different medium were in the following order; C. amnicola (Fe>Zn>Cu), Sediment (Fe>Zn>Cu), Surface water (Fe>Zn>Cu). There were significant differences observed in metal concentration in the tissues of C. amnicola, sediments and surface waters. Among the three tested mediums, the sediment recorded the highest metal concentration was reported followed by C. amnicola and the leas was in the surface water. The high level of non-essential metals recorded in this study indicates ingestion of this fish by human in the food chain could lead to a possible risk for neurological disorder hence need for further study, monitoring and mitigation to reduce the impact on human population through consumption.