Variation in heavy metals bio-accumulation in fish organs in relation to water quality from Wasai reservoir, Kano State

Shehu Hussain  Abubakar; Jan  Beran; Aisha Ibrahim  Dantiye; Mohammed  Kabiru

Shehu Hussain Abubakar Department of Wildlife & Ecotourism Management, Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta, Kano State.
Jan Beran Department of Animal Science, University of South Bohemia,Czech Republic
Aisha Ibrahim Dantiye Department of Biological Science, Northwest University, Kano State
Mohammed Kabiru Department of Animal Science ,Sule Lamido University Kafin Hausa, Jigawa State

Keywords: Bio-accumulation, Heavy metals, Liver, Wasai reservoir

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the levels of heavy metals such as Pb and Cd bioaccumulation in the liver and gills of fish species collected from Wasai reservoir covering two seasons. Physico-chemical parameters of the surface water were determined monthly for a period of 10 months (covering wet and dry seasons). Similarly, samples were collected from the muscles of African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) obtained from the reservoir. The water and fish samples were collected and analyzed for heavy metals using an atomic absorption spectrometer. Data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance with Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test used to separate significant means at 5% level. The result obtained revealed significant difference (P≤0.05) in pH, DO and BOD with location and season. The levels of the heavy metals varied significantly in the water and fish species. The result showed a significant difference (P≤0.05) in heavy metal accumulation in the water body across the months. Cr level was highest in May 2019 (1.17 mg/L) and lowest in September 2018 (0.28 mg/L). The concentration of Pb was highest in April 2019 with a value of 0.136 mg/L and lowest in March 2019(0.016 mg/L). In the fish muscles, the highest concentration for Pb (0.055±0.005 mg/L) was found at station C in April 2019 while the highest levels of cadmium in the water samples (0.045±0/009 mg/L) was recorded in May 2019 at station B.