Trace metal concentration in the liver of <i>Citharinus citharus</i> (moon – fish) from Taylor creek

Abstract

This study analysed trace metal levels in the liver of Citharinus citharus obtained from three different stations(Ogboloma, Pokaku and Agbia) along Taylor Creek The concentration of cadmium in fish liver was 0.02 + 0.01 mg/kg, 0.04 + 0.01 mg/kg, 0.03 + 0.00 mg/kg in Agbia, Ogboloma and Polaku respectively (P>0.05). The values of lead in the liver of the fish were higher than that of cadmium. Lead was 0.07 + 0.01 mg/kg at Agbia, 0.14+ 0.00 mg/kg at Ogboloma and 0.09 + 0.03 mg/kg at Polaku. Mean levels of zinc fish liver sample obtained from Agbia, Ogboloma and Polaku were 1.51 + 0.07 mg/kg, 1.66 + 0.09 mg/kg and 1.66 + 0.22 mg/kg respectively. Concentrations of zinc and lead in the liver of the fish were not significantly different at Agbia and Polaku (P>0.05), but were significantly higher at Ogboloma (P<0.05). The values of zinc were generally higher than Cd and Pb.Oil and gas exploration activities and domestic waste disposal could be linked to elevated level of metals in the fish.

Keywords: Effluent, fish liver, oil and gas activities, Taylor Creek, trace Metals