CONCENTRATIONS OF HEAVY METALS IN PARACHANNA OBSCURA FROM OKHUAIHE RIVER, EDO STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted in Okhuaihe River, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. To determine the concentration of heavy metals (Zinc, Lead and Cadmium) in the muscle of Parachanna obscura. The sampling was carried out once a month from August, 2021 to November 2021. Heavy metals concentration was determined using atomic absorption spectrometer. Zinc concentrations in the muscles of Parachanna obscura ranged from 18.63 to 42.52 mg/Kg with a mean value of 30.83 mg/Kg. The highest value of 42.52 mg/Kg was recorded in November, while lowest value of 18.63 mg/Kg was recorded in August 2021. Lead concentrations in the muscles of Parachanna obscura ranged from 0.22 to 0.43 mg/Kg with a mean value of 0.31 mg/Kg. The highest value of 0.43 mg/Kg was recorded in August, while lowest value of 0.22 mg/Kg was recorded in November 2021. Cadmium concentrations in the muscles of Parachanna obscura ranged from 0.027 to 0.035 mg/Kg with a mean value of 0.03 mg/Kg. The highest value of 0.035 mg/Kg was recorded in November, while lowest value of 0.027 mg/Kg was recorded in the months of September and October 2021.