Abstract
Potential hazards due to contaminants release into the environment have become increasingly important to government regulators, industries and the lay public. In this line the aim of this project is to evaluate pharmaceuticals and heavy metals in Ikpoba River. The study area was Ikpoba River which is located between Lat. 6° 190 12“ N, long 5° 24’0”E and Lat. 6° 220 48“N, long 5° 51’ 7.2”E in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Fish, water and sediment samples were collected from three different stations across the study area between the hours of 9:37am to 11: 46am and were examined for heavy metals and pharmaceuticals. The following analysis was carried out on Fish, water and sediment sample which are physiochemical analysis, heavy metals analysis and pharmaceuticals analysis, wherever applicable. The analysis of heavy metals indicated the presence of phosphorus and nitrogen in both sediment and fish, while copper, chlorine, lead, zinc, and numerous other heavy metals were found in the water samples. In the analysis of water, all three pharmaceutical drugs, namely Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, and Paracetamol, were detected. However, in the sediment, only Diclofenac and Ibuprofen were identified, and in the fish, Ibuprofen was not detected, while the other two drugs, Diclofenac and Paracetamol, were present. The significant findings from the study examining the occurrence of heavy metals and prescription medications in fish, water, and sediment from the Ikpoba River carry important implications for both the ecosystem and overall public health. The findings of the study highlight the critical need for prompt action and policy changes to address these concerns.
