Abstract: Contamination of water bodies by heavy metals is a serious health hazard not only to the aquatic biota but also to their predator. The degree of contamination is a function of bioavailability. This work was aimed at assessing the differential bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Zinc, Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Aluminium, Copper and Iron) in liver and skeletal muscles of Tilapia zilli. The liver was used for its role in detoxification and the skeletal muscle for been the part of fish mostly consumed. Tilapia zilli was exposed to three liquid habitats for a period of 72 hours. Station A situated upstream of river Challawa, Station B situated downstream of river Challawa, a control obtained from Tigga Dam where test models were obtained from. Analysis of liquid habitats showed that all the liquid habitats had levels of heavy metal above limits set by the Federal Ministry of Environment for Surface water, except in few cases where the control had levels below set limits. Results of Bioaccumulation factor show that heavy metals were bioaccumulated in the following order: Zn>Fe>CU> Cd>Al>Cr>Pb, Liver had higher bioaccumulation potential as compared to the skeletal muscles of Tilapia zilli. Despite the low levels of heavy metals bioaccumulated by the skeletal muscle as compared to the liver, continuous consumption of contaminated fish still poses a serious threat to consumers. The observed level of heavy metals show that the Challawa River is highly polluted and continuous monitoring and proper effluent treatment must be observed to reduce the level of deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem.
Keywords: bioaccumulation, tilapia zillii, heavy metals, aquatic habitat.
Title: Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation Potential of Liquid Habitat from River Challawa to Tillapia zilli
Author: Ovye Akyengo, Bawa Inalegwu, Ogo A. Ogo, Jacob Aondongusha Jato
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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