COMPARATIVE BIOACCUMULATION OF SOME HEAVY METALS IN TISSUES OF THREE SELECTED FISH SPECIES FROM AKPA

This study was conducted to offer information on the comparative bioaccumulation of various heavy metals in tissues of three different fish species from the Akpa Yafe River, as well as to assess the potential dangers associated with eating fish with high metal levels. Fresh fish species Sphyraena barracuda, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, and Mugil cephalus were sampled once a month for three months at the Akpa Yafe River's landing point (Ikang Beach) and promptly transferred to the laboratory in ice pack containers for analysis. Using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, the amounts of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn in the fish tissues were determined (AAS). Some of the metal concentrations in the fish tissues were greater than the maximum permitted limit. The studied heavy metals in the tissues of the fish species have accumulated to varying degrees, showing that the ecosystem has been damaged. The bioaccumulation factor demonstrates that Cu has polluted C. nigrodigitatus tissues, which have been contaminated by Cd, Fe, Ni, and Zn, while Cu and Ni have polluted M. cephalus tissues, which have been contaminated by Cd, Fe, Ni, and Zn. Ni has been found in the tissues of S. barracuda, as well as Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn. Because of the severe health implications, heavy intake of fish by humans in the area, as is the case now, is not recommended. Domestic sewage, industrial effluent, and metal leachates from garbage and solid waste dumps may all contribute to the heavy metals burden in the river. Heavy metal bioaccumulation in aquatic life is harmful because these heavy metals could be passed down the food chain to people. Some aquatic species may increase the concentration of metals present in low concentrations in the aquatic environment to levels that are dangerous to life and exceed public health guidelines through biological amplification. As a result, actions that result in heavy metal input into the Akpa Yafe River should be avoided.

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