HEAVY METAL CONCENTRATION IN MULLET (MUGIL CEPHALUS) FROM MININDAI CREEK, RUMUOLUMENI, PORT HARCOURT.

Abstract

Heavy metals are elements that occur naturally but are also released into the environment from industries, and other anthropogenic activities to levels that can cause pollution. High concentrations of heavy metals in the aquatic organisms may pose a health risk to consumers of these organisms. The aim of this study was to ascertain the levels of heavy metals in Mullet fish (Mugilcephalus)in Mini-Ndai creek, Rumuolumeni. Heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophometer (AAS). Samples were collected in January, March and May. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation represented in bar graph. The heavy metals analysed are Ni, Fe and Cr. The results indicated high concentrations of Fe and Ni(8.18μg/g and 1.36μg/g) respectively with low concentrations of Cr (0.03μg/g). The trend of heavy metals concentration can be represented as Fe>Ni>Cr. Fe and Cr was within the safe limits while Ni was seen to be above the safe limits for human consumption. It is recommended that further studies of heavy metals should be carried out to determine the physicochemical parameters and the heavy metal content of the creek.