Environmental degradation of Nike lake: a study on water quality parameters and heavy metal accumulation in fish

Authors

  • C. E. Achikanu Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • I. I. Ujah Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • O. N. Ani Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • C. A. Nsude Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • K. O. Okolo Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • D. O. Okeke Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria
  • C. U. Ekekezie Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Enugu State university of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • V. E. Okpashi Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
  • L. C. Okwesili Department of Industrial Chemistry, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology
  • I. O. Okpako Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology and Innovation, Nairobi, Kenya
  • E. O. Nneji Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria
  • C. A. Anieke Department of Applied Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology Sciences, Enugu State University of Science & Technology, Enugu State, Nigeria

Keywords:

Pollution, Heavy metals, Nike lake, Clarias gariepinus, Tilapia zillii

Abstract

Environmental pollution is a pressing global issue, with heavy metal pollution posing a significant threat. This study examined the concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, nickel, lead, chromium, manganese, iron, zinc, copper, mercury, selenium, and arsenic) in various organs and tissues (blood, gills, intestines, liver) of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Redbelly Tilapia (Tilapia zillii) from Nike Lake in Enugu State, Nigeria. Water samples from the lake were also analyzed for heavy metal concentrations, as well as nitrogen and phosphorous content, nitrate, phosphate, and dissolved oxygen levels. The results showed that the fish samples contained varying concentrations of heavy metals, with the highest levels found in the gills. The ranges of metal concentrations were: Cd (0.00-0.033), Ni (0.00-0.002), Pb (0.00-0.072), Cr (0.00-0.039), Mn (0.00-0.041), Fe (0.010-1.363), Zn (0.268-0.604), Cu (0.008-0.084), Hg (0.00-0.147), Se (0.293-0.474), Mo (0.020-0.095), and As (0.00-0.034). The water samples contained similar concentrations of heavy metals, were Cd:0.02, Ni:0.001, Pb:0.034, Cr:0.00, Mn:0.012, Fe:0.037, Zn:0.173, Cu:0.008, Hg:0.147, Se:0.309, Mo:0.027, As:0.004, with the addition of nitrate (4.373), phosphate (4.383), and dissolved oxygen (45.33) levels. The nitrogen and phosphorous content in the fish organs ranged from 2.938-4.987 and 3.089-7.484, respectively. The study highlights the presence of toxic heavy metals in the organs of the fish, emphasizing the need for regulation and monitoring to mitigate the risks associated with heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems.

Dimensions

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Published

2024-12-30

How to Cite

Environmental degradation of Nike lake: a study on water quality parameters and heavy metal accumulation in fish. (2024). African Scientific Reports, 3(3), 245. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2024.3.3.245

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Section

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SECTION

How to Cite

Environmental degradation of Nike lake: a study on water quality parameters and heavy metal accumulation in fish. (2024). African Scientific Reports, 3(3), 245. https://doi.org/10.46481/asr.2024.3.3.245