ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONCENTRATION IN SMOKED FISH SPECIES FOUND IN RIVER KOMADUGU YOBE, YOBE STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystem constitutes a major public health problem especially fishes from contaminated river and Komadugu Yobe river source from industrialized town (Kano and Jos plateau) that may be contaminated with heavy metals and when consumed by human and other aquatic life may cause health challenge due to their toxicological substance. This study was carried out to analyzed heavy metals (AS, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb) using Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometry in three species of smoked fish (Tilapia, African lung fish and Catfish). Ten (10) samples each totaling thirty (30) were purchased from fishermen along komadugu Yobe river. The results revealed significantly (p<0.05) higher concentration of Pb with significantly (p>0.05) lower Cd in African lung fish while non-significant (p<0.05) differences were observed across the treatments in AS, Cr and Hg but the concentrations of heavy metals in this study were higher than the maximum acceptable limits except Hg. This implies that they may pose health threat to humans when consumed, Thus, constant monitoring and sustainable management of the Komadugu-Yobe River at Gashua is required to reduce the amount of contaminant entering the river.