Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Clarias gariepinus from Lake Njoboliyo, Yola-South L.G.A, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

A study on the bioaccumulation of heavy metals was carried out monthly using standard methods for the period of four months (i.e from March to June,). Bioaccumulation of heavy metals including Cadmium (Cd), Zinc (Zn), 
Copper (Cu) and Iron (Fe) in Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) organs (muscles, gills and Liver) were investigated. Iron, Zinc, Copper and Cadmium (Cu, Fe, Zn and Cd) at station A, B and C recorded concentration (4. 02 mg/kg, 0. 23 
mg/kg, 1.14 mg/kg, 0.09 mg/kg) within the international permissible limits in fish organs except cadmium. Gills and Liver of Clarias gariepinus contained the highest concentration of most of the detected heavy metals, while the edible part (muscle) of Clarias gariepinus showed appreciable concentration of the heavy metals investigated. This may be due to bioaccumulation over a period of time in the muscle Clarias gariepinus. The present results shows that the Fish at Lake Njoboliyo is polluted with Cadmium (Cd) and it can risk getting polluted with other heavy metals and may pose a health challenges to human and fish species.