STUDIES ON TRACE ELEMENTS IN Clarias gariepinus OF RIVER GONGOLA, GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Investigation of trace element (Cu,Zn,Pb and Cd) contamination in the muscles of Clarias gariepinus from River Gongola, Gombe State was carried out between April and September 2019 in six sampling sites. The Concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.The data obtained was analyzed using one way analysis of variance and significant differences accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Post hoc Duncan test was used to separate means.The mean metal levels (mg Kg-1) in Clarias gariepinus muscles, were Cu (0.388 – 0.759), Zn (0.020 – 0.082), Pb and Cd were Below Detectable Limit. Cu exhibited significance difference between the sites (p= 0.00) while for Zn there was no significance difference in the sites. The concentrations for all metals in African catfish muscles did not exceed the WHO recommended limit for consumption.