Assessment of the Levels of Herbicide Residues in Fish Samples from Alau Dam, Maiduguri, Borno, State, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of atrazine, propanil, alachlor, metolachlor, paraquat, propachlor, butachlor and glysophate in the flesh, liver, intestine and gills of Tilapia zilli, Clarias anguillaris, Synodentis budgetti and Heterotis niloticus from Alau Dam The highest total concentrations of all the studied herbicide residues were detected in Tilapia zillii, follow by Clarias anguillaris, while Synodentis budgetti shows the lowest values. The highest concentrations of all the herbicide residues were detected in the liver of Tilapia zilli and Clarias angullaris while Synodentis budgetti shows the lowest value. Also, the flesh and gills of Tilapia zilli was observed to show the highest levels of all the studied herbicides, while Clarias angullaris shows the lowest value. The values observed for herbicide residues were lower than the WHO and FAO set maximum residue limit (MRL) 0.01 mg/kg and the Acceptable Daily Intake value (ADI) of 0.006 mg/kg which is considered safe for consumption as at the time of the present research work. But their presence in the fish samples also cause for concern, therefore, it is important for relevant agencies to be involve in the management of Alau Dam with respect to herbicide residues.