Comparative Analysis of Heavy Metals in Fish Samples Collected from River Niger in Anambra State
NJIDEKA V. NWANKWO
*
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
ARINZE J. CHINWEUBA
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
ONYEBUCHI J. NWADIOGBU
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Uli, Anambra State, Nigeria.
IFEOMA M. ODIKA
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
EBUKA C. MMADUAKOR
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
OBIANUJU A. IKEH
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Concern over heavy metal pollution has been widespread. Finding the levels of heavy metals in various fish species, including schilbe, semilabeo, giraffe, and elopsmachanata, from four fishing locations in the Anambra River was the goal of this study. After the fish samples were digested, Inductive Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP OES) was used to examine them for Fe, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn. The semilabeo fish sample during the dry season had the highest Fe concentration (23.42±1.38 mg/kg), while the elopsmachanata sample had the lowest concentration (9.213±1.768 mg/kg). Most of the Ni, Cd, and Pb were not detectable. The ANOVA analysis of the locations revealed that position D was the most polluted. The majority of these values were below Food and Agricultural Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO) permitted limits, according to the statistics. The consumer may be at risk for health problems from certain of the fish samples. Continuous pollution monitoring of the Anambra River is required.
Keywords: Heavy metals, schilbe, semilabeo, giraffe, elopsmachanata, inductive coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy