HEAVY METALS DYNAMICS IN POND WATER FROM SELECTED FISH FARMS AND THEIR ACCEPTABLE LEVELS

ABSTRACT

Pollution caused by the increase of heavy metals concentration in aquaculture and environs is a global concern due to their nature in toxicity. This study aimed to undertake an assessment of heavy metals in fish pond from selected fish farms. The concentration of heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results of this study indicated that the trace element in fish ponds varied in low range. The level of iron (Fe) concentration from 0.01 (farm 1) to 0.04 (farm 3) was lower than the regulatory guidelines stipulated by WHO (World Health Organization) and USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency). Lead (Pb) concentration obtained from (farms 1) and (farms 4) had same value of 0.01. Manganese (Mn) concentration obtained from this study ranged from 0.03 (farm 1) to 0.04 (farm 3). The concentration of Zinc were from 0.14 (farm 2) to 0.16 (farm 4). Cadmium concentration was recorded to be below detection level (BDL). Copper concentration obtained were between the range of 0.5 (farm 1) to 0.7 (farm 2). However, it was generally observed that the pond water samples recorded from selected fish farms was found to be below the regulatory guidelines stipulated by WHO (World Health Organization) and USEPA (United State Environmental Protection Agency), with exception to cadmium which was reported to have below detection limit. Hence, to maintain a healthy nation and environment, it is safer to use natural feeds than synthetic feeds containing these trace elements in fish farming project.