Abstract: The Transfer factors and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in three fish species (Clarias gariepinus, Murmyrus rume and Tilapia zilli) were assessed in Rivers Owan and Evbiobe. The availability of Cu, Cr, Pb, Fe, Mn, Cd and Zn in water, sediment, fish and plants samples from the rivers was detected using Atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The result revealed that all the investigated fish species bio-concentrated the trace metals from the rivers water more than the sediment while there was no notable transfer of pollutants from the examined plants to the fish species. The transfer factor of the metals in fishes from water increased in order of Cr > Zn Cu >Pb>Mn> Fe > Cd for Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli with a slight swap between Pb and Mn in Mormyrus rume, all from Owan river. Clarias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli in Evbiobe river had TF values in order of Cr >Pb> Fe > Cd > Zn >Mn> Cu and Cr > Zn> Fe >Pb> Cd > Cu >Mn respectively.
Keywords: Transfer factor, bioaccumulation, fish, Owan and Evbiobe rivers.
Title: Transfer Factor and Bioaccumulation of Heavy metals in Fishes from Rivers Owan and Evbiobe, Edo State, Nigeria
Author: Oyakhilome Gloria Irenosen, Ajiwe Vincent Ishmael E.
International Journal of Life Sciences Research
ISSN 2348-313X (Print), ISSN 2348-3148 (online)
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