Studies on trace metal concentration pseudotolithus elongatus from marine coastal waters at mbo, southeastern Nigeria

Abstract

A study was conducted to assess the trace metal (i.e. Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn) concentration in Pseudotolithus elongatus species from Mbo Marine Coastal waters. Fish samples were randomly sampled from the six sampling stations using hooks and fishing nets and the muscles tissue were later analysed on Perkin Elmer Absorption Spectrophotometer mode, UNICAMP 919, after adequate sample treatment. The result reveals that lead (Pb) had the overall mean metal concentration of 7.47ugg-1 in fishes indicating high level of pollution when compared with the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) standard of 2.0ugg-1 for lead (Pb) in seafood. The concentration of Cu, Cd, and Zn metals were within the NHMRC recommended limit. It is therefore concluded that Mbo Coastal waters is heavily polluted with Lead (Pb), perhaps from anthropogenic input like sewage discharge. The ecological and human health implications of Lead (Pb) pollution are discussed.

KEY WORDS: Trace metals, Lead Pollution, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Mbo coastal waters, Nigeria.