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PRESENCE OF HYDROCARBONS AND HEAVY METALS IN SOME FISH SPECIES IN THE CROSS RIVER, NIGERIA
Abstract
The study was undertaken to determine the total hydrocarbon (THC) and heavy metal contents of fish (finfish and shellfish) in the Cross River, Nigeria. Fish Samples were collected in the dry (March) and rainy (October) seasons between 2000-2002. The finfish species identified in the study were Synodontis clarias, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Heterotis niloticus, Schilbe mystus, Parachanna obscura, Citharinus citherus, Mormyrus rume, Phago loricatus and Petrocephalus ansorgii and the shellfish were Macrobrachium vollenhovenii and Tympanotonus fuscatus.
Significant differences (P< 0.05) existed between finfish and shellfish in both THC and heavy metals contents. The levels of THC in fish exceeded the World Health Organization's limit of 0.0001 ppm by an average of 3.2 and 15.57 mg/kg in fin and shellfish respectively. High concentrations of vanadium and THC in fish samples were the main indicators of pollution from petroleum sources.
Key Words: THC, heavy metals, finfish, and shellfish, Cross River, Nigeria.
African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 90-95
Significant differences (P< 0.05) existed between finfish and shellfish in both THC and heavy metals contents. The levels of THC in fish exceeded the World Health Organization's limit of 0.0001 ppm by an average of 3.2 and 15.57 mg/kg in fin and shellfish respectively. High concentrations of vanadium and THC in fish samples were the main indicators of pollution from petroleum sources.
Key Words: THC, heavy metals, finfish, and shellfish, Cross River, Nigeria.
African Journal of Livestock Extension Vol.3 2004: 90-95
