HEAVY METALS ACCUMULATION IN CATFISH AND HUMAN HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENT OF IKPOBA RIVER

A research of heavy metals concentration in fish samples collected from Ikpoba River, Benin City, during two months of March and July, 2024. The accumulation of heavy metals in fish is a significant concern due to their tendency to accumulate in fish tissues. Results from Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) analysis showed the presence of all six selected heavy metals (Iron, Chromium, Zinc, Lead, Copper, and Cadmium) in the fish species Clarias spp. However, concentrations were determined from the two fish tissues. In the liver, Fe, has the highest concentrations while Pb shown the lowest concentrations. The trend is as follows; Fe>Zn>Cr>Cu>Cd>Pb. In the gills, Fe, also has the highest concentration while Cu has the lowest concentrations. The order of the concentration in gills was as follows: Fe>Zn>Cd>Cr>Pb>Cu. The accumulated concentrations of heavy metals in liver is 7.19ppm higher than the gills 4.29ppm. The selected heavy metals for both tissues exceeded the maximum limits set by the WHO and FAO, except for Zinc and Copper in fish samples. This may result to chronic illness and cause potential damages to the population. Therefore, precautionary measures and continuous monitoring of Ikpoba River is necessary.