Indian Journal of Animal Research

  • Chief EditorK.M.L. Pathak

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Indian Journal of Animal Research, volume 42 issue 3 (september 2008) : 171-179

SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN A FRESHWATER FISH (ERPETOICHTHYS CALABARICUS) FROM OGBA RIVER, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA

E.E. Obasohan1, O.I. Eguavoen*
1Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
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Cite article:- Obasohan1 E.E., Eguavoen* O.I. (2024). SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF BIOACCUMULATION OF HEAVY METALS IN A FRESHWATER FISH (ERPETOICHTHYS CALABARICUS) FROM OGBA RIVER, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 42(3): 171-179. doi: .
This investigation assessed and monitored accumulation levels of Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, Ni and Pb in
a freshwater fish (Erpetoichthys calabaricus) from Ogba River during the dry and rainy seasons of
a hydrologic year (November, 2005 – October, 2006). The same metals were also examined in the
water of the river over the period. The results showed that the accumulation levels in fish exceeded
the levels of the metals in water and indicated bioaccumulation in fish. The dry and rainy season
levels in fish as well as in water at each of the sampling stations varied, but the differences were not
significant. However, among the stations, the differences in the seasonal levels for most of the
metals were significant. A correlation between seasonal levels in water and fish as well as the lack
of uniformity in the distribution of the metals in the river were established. The finding also revealed
that both dry and rainy season mean levels of Cu, Mn and Ni in fish exceeded WHO recommended
limits in food, suggested that the fishes of the river were not suitable for human consumption.
Consequently, close monitoring of metal pollution of Ogba River is strongly advocated, in view of
possible risks to health of consumers of the fishes of the river.
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