Assessment of Trace Metal Levels in Fish Species of Lagos Lagoon
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Vitamins & Minerals
Abstract
Description
Fish species, surface water, bottom water, epipellic and benthic sediments were collected from Oworonshoki,
Lagos lagoon, to determine their trace metal levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The fish species
collected were Tilapia guineensis, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Liza grandisquamis and Psettias sebae. The results
indicated that the highest concentrations of trace metals were present in the fish species, followed by benthic
sediments, epipellic sediments, bottom water, and surface water. Levels of trace metals found in males and females
of fish species showed significant differences. The female species, except Tilapia guineensis, accumulated higher
Fe and Zn values. The female species of Psettias sebae was a good bio-indicator of trace metal contamination in
the lagoon. Cd and Ni were not detected in any of the fish species. Pb levels in the fishes were above the maximum
acceptable limit for human consumption, and could have been sourced from the discharge of industrial wastes into
the lagoon. The levels of Fe and Zn in the water, sediment and fishes were all within acceptable limits. The highest
condition factor of 2.76 was observed in the female of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, while the female, Psettias sebae,
had the least condition factor of 0.57, correlating with its high metal contamination.
Keywords
GE Environmental Sciences, QD Chemistry