Assessment of elemental contaminants in water and fish samples from Aba river

Abstract

The elemental contaminants in water and fish samples from Aba river were studied. The elements studied were Zn, Ni, As, Hg, Co and Mn. Three water samples and three samples of different fish species were collected from different locations in the river. The water and fish samples were analysed for elemental contaminants using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The elemental toxicants Zn and Mn were identified in appreciable amounts in fresh fish species namely, Lates niloticus and Oriochronis niloticus, of mean values 8.012 ppm and 0.861 ppm, respectively. The analysis also shows arsenic concentration of mean value 0.01 ppm in Lates niloticus. The analysis of frozen fish samples purchased from the Waterside market located near the river shows Ni and Hg levels of mean values 0.83 ppm and 0.02 ppm, respectively. The levels of elemental contaminants As, Zn, Hg and Mn from the water samples have mean values 0.082 ppm, 11.284 ppm, 0.201 ppm and 1.024 ppm, respectively. There are five industries that discharge waste products into Aba river. In view of this, there is a need to determine the level of pollution of the river, since the inhabitants depend on the river for their drinking water, fishing and other domestic uses. This study is aimed at determining the level of heavy metal toxicants in fish and water samples from the river. The effect of these elemental contaminants and the associated health hazards were examined.

Cardiorespiratory responses to graded hypoxia in the neotropical fish matrinxã (Brycon amazonicus) and traíra (Hoplias malabaricus) after waterborne or trophic exposure to inorganic mercury

“…This nominal concentration resulted in a concentration of total Hg of 106 g L −1 in the contaminated water evaluated by Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (CV-AFS) according to the USEPA 1631 detection technique (USEPA, 2002). Concentrations of total Hg ranging from 1 to 230 g L −1 are usually detected in water bodies near industrialized areas (Hypolito et al, 2004;Alinnor, 2005;Bollen et al, 2008).…”

“…Studies have been shown that near gold mining and/or industrial discharges, levels of the total Hg in surrounding water can reach values from 0.0001 to 19.82 mg L −1 (Alinnor, 2005;Serfor-Armah et al, 2005;Gammons et al, 2006;Bollen et al, 2008).…”

Inorganic mercury exposure: toxicological effects, oxidative stress biomarkers and bioaccumulation in the tropical freshwater fish matrinxã, Brycon amazonicus (Spix and Agassiz, 1829)

“…After 24 h, the water was renewed and the HgCl 2 group was submitted to a nominal concentration of 150 lg L -1 of HgCl 2 (20% of LC 50 -96 h). Concentrations of total mercury ranging from 0.001 to 0.230 mg L -1 are usually detected in water bodies near industrialized areas (Hypolito et al 2004;Alinnor 2005;Bollen et al 2008).…”

“…Although the industrial use of Hg has been reduced in recent years due to stricter regulations, high concentrations of Hg have been found in water samples at the sites with extensive industrial activities, mainly chloro-alkali, pulp and paper and ceramic industries. In these areas, total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.0005 to 0.23 mg L -1 (Hypolito et al 2004;Alinnor 2005;Bollen et al 2008). Shaw et al (1989) found mercury levels ranging from 1.50 mg L -1 in effluents discharged by chloro-alkali industries.…”

Assessment of toxic potential of three different heavy metals to Clarias batrachus (Linn.) utilizing static acute bioassay

“…Aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to exposure of toxic contaminants and heavy metals. Among the aquatic organisms, fish is most vulnerable to these contaminants (Alinnor, 2005). Lead is a naturally occurring heavy metal present in the earth's crust, rocks, soil and water.…”