OCCURANCE OF HEAVY METALS IN INLAND WATER BODIES OF KATSINA STATE: A REVIEW

Heavy metals are persistent and highly toxic pollutants that threaten aquatic ecosystems, food safety, and public health. This review examined the occurrence, sources, and implications of heavy metal contamination in inland water bodies of Katsina State, Nigeria. The Water bodies such as the Zobe, Jibia Lake, Ajiwa Reservoir, and others have shown elevated levels of lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and mercury, exceeding World Health Organisation (WHO) and Nigerian standards. Major contaminants include mining, agricultural runoff, industrial effluents, and urban activities, which introduces heavy metals which accumulate in aquatic organisms posing risks to aquaculture operations, and human consumers. The toxic effects range from neurotoxicity and organ damage in fish to human health hazards like neurological, cardiovascular, and renal diseases. The review shows the urgent need for continuous monitoring, stricter regulation, public awareness, and mitigation strategies such as phytoremediation and improved water management to safeguard biodiversity of inland waters and public health in Katsina State.