AN APPRAISAL OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN TWO FISH SPECIES (Bagrus bayad and Synodontis batensoda) IN RIVER-NUN, AMASSOMA, BAYELSA STATE, NIGERIA

An appraisal of heavy metals content in two fish species (Bagrus bayad and Synodontis batensoda) landed in the shores of River-nun, Amassoma Bayelsa State, Nigeria was investigated. This was done in order to investigate the safety of consuming these fish species from the river and gauge the pollution status of the creek. The concentrations of heavy metals Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni) and Iron (Fe) were measured in the flesh of the fish collected from three main landing areas (Jetty, Market front and sand field) in the River-nun at Amassoma. The data were analysed for means and standard deviation. An independent sample T-test was conducted to measure the variability and similarities in heavy metal parameters at the 95% (P=0.05) confidence limit. This was aided by the use of the SPSS® 20.0 statistics tool kit. The result of the study indicate that the levels of the heavy metals Pb and Fe were significantly different (P<0.05) while there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in Ni concentration between the two fish species. Bagrus bayad showed greater content of Ni and Fe than in Synodontis batensoda but lower Pb content. The levels of Ni and Pb show a greater amount in the fish than the European Union suggested maximum limit, but were within the FAO/WHO permissible limit. The presence of Pb a non-essential metal even in trace amounts in fish tissue portends grave danger if consumed in large amounts. Based on the findings from this study, it can be inferred that the consumption of these fish species in plenteous amounts may pose a serious threat to health because of the risk of bio-accumulation.