HEAVY METAL LEVELS IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND BIOACCUMULATION INDEX IN FISH (Chrysicthys walkeri) FROM WARRI RIVER

Abstract

Bioaccumulation of any heavy metal above its maximum limits invariably results to
the detrimental health of an organism. This present study was carried out to evaluate
the levels of eight heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr and Cd) in surface water,
sediment and bioaccumulation index of (Chrysicthys walkeri) from Warri River, Delta
State, Nigeria. Samples were collected between the period of July to September,
2015 from two designated stations. The order of heavy metal mean rank profile, in
surface water, sediment and fish were Pb>Mn>Fe>Zn>Cr>Cd>Ni>Cu;
Fe>Zn>Ni>Cu>Mn>Cd>Pb>Cr and Pb>Ni>Zn>Mn>Cd>Fe>Cr>Cu respectively.
When compared with regulatory standards of WHO, FAO and FEPA threshold limit
most of the metals were above the limits for both water, sediment and fish Tissue.
The bioaccumulation index of fish were above BI ? 1.0 indicating possibility of
ecological concern. These findings implies that Warri River is polluted and
consumption of these fishes could have grave health consequences even with the
excellent condition factor of the fishes. Therefore, the input of pollutants into this river
should be monitored in order to avoid associated risks