Assessment of heavy metals concentration in the intestine, kidney and muscle of Oreochromis niloticus in Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta reservoir

Abstract

Different sizes of Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) were caught using cast net in FUNAAB reservoir. Water samples were also collected and analyzed for five metals: Lead, Chromium, Cadmium, Zinc, and Copper by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). During the experiment, three tissues were compared with the level of metal in water, Intestine, Kidney and Muscles. Generally, lower concentrations of metals were recorded in water than in fish tissues; lower concentration in the tissue of O niloticus except were found in the water which is less than the recommendation for human consumption by World Health Organisation. Lead was found to be the dominant in the intestine of Oreochromis niloticus while Chromium was recorded the least of all the metals. There is a significant difference (P<0.05) in heavy metal concentration in the tissue of O niloticus except for Chromium. Though, the heavy metals of interest were present in a measurable quantities, they are still within safe limits for consumption.