ABSTRACT

Heavy metals play important biochemical roles in the life process of many organisms and their presence in trace metals are essential. However, at high concentrations, toxic effects are observed. The concentration of iron, manganese and chromium in Papyrocranus afer from Okhuaihe River, Benin City, Nigeria were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The range of Fe, Mn and Cr in the muscle of P. afer were 318.75 ± 60.52mg/kg, 8.44 ± 1.94mg/kg and 4.19 ± 1.71mg.kg respectively. The order of the concentration in P. afer was Fe > Mn > Cr with iron concentration. Heavy metals concentration of Fe, Mn and Cr were above the maximum tolerable limits. Further studies on the concentration of heavy metals in other parts of fish tissue (intestine, gills, brain, kidney and heart) are recommended.