Contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in water and fish obtained in Bunza River in Kebbi State, Nigeria
Journal Title: Environmental Health Engineering and Management Journal - Year 2024, Vol 11, Issue 2
Abstract
Background: Fish are consumed worldwide due to their nutritional and health benefits; however, heavy metal pollution is compromising their safety. This study aimed to determine heavy metal safety in water and fish, specifically tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and catfish (Clarias gariepinus), collected from Bunza River in Kebbi State, Nigeria. Methods: Water and fish samples underwent analysis for zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The obtained values were then utilized to assess the associated health risks. Results: The atomic absorption spectroscopy of fish revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) between heavy metal concentrations in the fish organs and FAO/WHO standards. It indicated non-tolerable concentrations of copper (1.77-5.24 mg kg-1) and lead (1.85-4.53 mg kg-1). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of Pb and Cd through fish consumption was above the recommended daily intake (RDI). However, the hazard quotient (HQ) and health risk index (HI) of all the heavy metals were within tolerable limits ( < 1). On water samples, non-tolerable levels of the heavy metals and significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed when compared with the standards. The water samples had average concentrations of Cu (4.64 ± 0.62 mg kg-1), Pb (1.78 ± 0.70 mg kg-1), Cd (0.50 ± 0.02 mg kg-1), and Zn (18.90 ± 3.08 mg kg-1). The average daily ingestion (ADI) and HQ of the heavy metals through the consumption of the water were above the recommended limits. Conclusion: Based on the results, the fish and water samples could cause heavy metal-related toxicity. There is a need for policies aimed at decontaminating the river.
Authors and Affiliations
Tajudeen Yahaya, Lawal Nana Aisha, Abdulrahman Sani Kalgo, Nasiru Muhammad, Muhammad-Jamil Abubakar,Mohammed Umar Faruk
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP739000
- DOI 10.34172/EHEM.2024.19
- Views 67
- Downloads 0
Investigation of heavy metals accumulation in the soil and pine trees
Background: Human activities related to workshops in the cities contribute to the release of heavy metals into the environment, which pose serious risks to the environment and to human health. The aim of the present stud...
Evaluation of the efficiency of electrocoagulation process in removing cyanide, nitrate, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand from landfill leachate
Background: Leachate contains toxic and non-biodegradable substances that are not easily treated by conventional treatment methods. This study investigated the effect of pH, current density, and reaction time parameter...
Investigation of the relationship between depth of overhang and amount of daylight indicators in office buildings of Kerman city
Background: The use of daylight in offices has become an effective strategy to improve the quality of indoor space and energy efficiency. There is enough potential to have daylight autonomy in Kerman as a city with more...
Biological hydrogen production from synthetic wastewater by an anaerobic migrating blanket reactor: Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling
Background: This study aimed to evaluate an anaerobic migrating blanket reactor (AMBR) for biological hydrogen production, and also to investigate its capability to treat synthetic wastewater. Methods: A five-compartmen...
Evaluation of the efficiency of the TiO2/UV nano-photocatalytic process in the removal of humic and fulvic acids from aqueous solutions
Background: Removing natural organic substances from drinking water sources is necessary to prevent the formation of toxic and carcinogenic disinfection by-products (DBPs). The nano-photocatalytic oxidation process to...