Evaluation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in shrimp (<i>Penaeus monodon</i>), sediment and surrounding water of the Mangrove Swamps, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study focused on the evaluation of the physiochemical and heavy metal concentration in shrimp (P. monodon), sediments and surface water of Ikpukulu, Kalio, and Ogoloma swamps in Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. The following parameters were examined: temperature, potential hydrogen, electrical conductivity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total dissolved oxygen, temperature, and the content of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Cr) in surface water, sediments, and shrimp. The pH values (p > 0.05) did not significantly differ amongst the stations. The three sampling station readings of pH were below WHO and FEPA (standards). The temperature data from the three stations did not show any significant differences (p > 0.05), but when compared to the standards, all of the readings were much lower. Result from Ogoloma showed that it had lowest electrical conductivity ratings of the three stations, although overall, the values were higher than the norms. At Kalio, the highest Total Dissolved Solids value (9348.6 ± 67 mg/L) was recorded. When compared to the standards, the salinity values of the three stations were noticeably higher. For Biological oxygen demand, there was no significant (p>0.05) difference between the three stations, but comparing the values to the standards they were all significantly (p>0.05) lower. Heavy metal analysis showed that in the sediment, Copper concentration at Ogoloma was significantly (p>0.05) higher among the three metals in the three stations. Copper and chromium concentrations in the three stations were much higher than the standard. Among the three metals found in the water at the three stations, copper had the highest quantities; the content of copper in Ogoloma was noticeably greater than the standard. Of the three
locations, Ogoloma exhibited a noticeably greater concentration of copper for Shrimp. The
findings highlight the necessity for preventative action by pointing to an increase in heavy metal
concentrations in the Mangrove swamp area.