International Journal of Innovative Research and Development

O. J. Aderinola , V. Kusemiju , E. O. Clarke , O. M. Olarinmoye

Abstract

The people of Lagos state depends on fishes and other aquatic products for their source of protein. Thus, the need to verify the safety of the fishes for consumption by the people. The sampling, handling and process were as directed by American Public Health Association (APHA).The species checklist indicated that the Bagrids, Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus; Cichlids, Tilapia zillii and fresh water prawn of genus Macrobrachium were the dominant fin and shell fish species in the Creek. Results of the analysis of trace metals in the organs of Tilapia zillii indicated that the metals were differentially accumulated in different organs of the fish. In the tissue, the orders of accumulation were gills (52.360±25.964 Fe), Gut (2.180±0.480 Zn), Gills (0.300±0.056 Mn), Bone (0.091±0.125 Pb), Bone, gills, Gut and flesh (0.010±0.00 Cr) and 0.001±0.000 Cd) is uniform for all the organs under investigation in mg/kg respectively.While the order of metals bioaccumulation in the Macrobrachium macrobrachion (most dominant freshwater prawn) the order of bioaccumulation is Cu > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cr > Pb > Cd with the value of 26.100±6.280, 21.250±1.744, 14.585±28.277, 6.067±3.608, 0.257±0.049, 0.023±0.009, 0.002±0.000 respectively with all values in Mg/Kg. However, the general trend of accumulations in all the organisms were Tilapia zillii > Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus > Macrobrachium macrobrachion. The results of analysis of variance showed that different organisms accumulate different metals in their organs differently (P<0.05). The observed level of metals in the sediments and different organisms analyzed were below the WHO standards. Therefore, there is no foreseeable adverse health problem that may arise from the consumption of the analyzed fish species.

Keywords

Chrysicthys nigrodigitatus, Macrobrachium Macrobrachion, Bioaccumulation, Pollution Badagry Creek

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O. J. Aderinola , V. Kusemiju , E. O. Clarke , O. M. Olarinmoye

Abstract

Vegetables grown at environmentally contaminated sites in Lagos could take up and accumulate metals at concentrations that are toxic to human health. This study was conducted to analyze the heavy metal in a selected vegetable (Garden Lettuce) in Lagos, Nigeria. Recently matured plant samples of Garden Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) from roadside farm, Badagry Expressway, Lagos, Nigeria were assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer and underwent pressurized digestion with HCL, H₂SO₄ and HNO₃ to determine the heavy metals. Three composite samples on each bed at each distance were used. The distances were 5m, 10m and 15m.The concentration of heavy metals which include, Cu, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cd, and Pb, were determined using Analyst Perkin-Elmer 300 Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The mean concentration for each heavy metal in the samples were obtained and compared with the permissible levels set by the FAO and WHO. The results of this analysis revealed that Fe showed the highest concentrations in the stem (14.681±11.621mg/kg), second to Zn in the leaf (0.062±0.047mg/kg) while Cr shows the lowest levels (0.001±0.000mg/kg) in the whole plant organ .When compared with standards, heavy metal levels were found to be within safe limit.
Metal uptake differences by parts of the plant (Lactuca sativa L.) is attributed to plant differences in tolerance to heavy metals. The intake of all the six metals constitutes less than 100% of the TMDI (Theoretical Maximum Daily Intake) at present and hence, health risk is minimal. But with the increase in vegetable consumption by man, the situation could worsen in the future.

Keywords

Lactuca sativa L, Heavy Metals, Bioaccumulation, Soil

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