Assessment of Heavy Metals in Water, Sediment and Fishes of Geidam River, Yobe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aquatic ecosystems face a significant environmental challenge with heavy metal pollution,
which has adverse effects on human health, biodiversity, and the environment. This research
examined the concentrations of heavy metals (such as Arsenic, Chromium, Cadmium,
Copper, and Zinc) in both sediments and water of the Geidam River as well as two fish
species ( Catfish and Tilapia). The research covered the period from February to August
2020, during which five sampling stations were strategically placed based on both ecological
and human impact on the river. Standard protocols were followed for field and laboratory
investigations. The outcomes showed that fish contained As, Cr, Cd, Cu, and Zn in
concentrations ranging from 0.000 mg/g to 0.930 mg/g; sediment concentrations ranged from
0.011 mg/g to 2.600 mg/g while water had concentrations varying between 0.04mg/L to
0.90mg/Significant variations (P<0.05) in Zn and Cd levels between seasons were observed
specifically in the liver and gills of tilapia as well as catfish organs among others. In addition,
significant findings (p<0·05) included high levels of Zn and Cd detected in water samples.
All heavy metals discovered exceeded USEP/FMH/WHO standards implying a pressing need
for an ecosystem-based approach towards managing rivers aimed at reducing aquatic
pollution thereby mitigating risks posed by consumption of contaminated aquatic resources
containing toxic heavy metals.