Heavy Metals Concentration of River Chanchaga and Effects on Fisheries Resources
1Yakubu, S.O.*, 1Idi-ogede, A.M., 1Musa, M.A
1Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture,
Federal University, Gashua, Yobe State
Email: ysuleiman08@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
The concentration of heavy metals at four locations in River Chanchaga, Minna in Niger state and effects on fisheries resources were investigated. Water samples were collected biweekly from June to December, 2015 in triplicates from each sample location. These were Kosobo, Tunga-waya, Numukpan and Chanchaga village. The Atomic Absorption Spectrometric technique was used in determining the concentration of the metals: Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu and Cd. Mean concentrations (mg/L) of the metals varied along sampling stations with marked reduction in fisheries resources. Agricultural activities such as fertilizer application and domestic activities like bathing, washing and defecation along the river course were considered to be responsible for the high concentration of heavy metals in the river.
Keywords: Heavy metals, River Chanchaga, Water, Fisheries resources and Concentrations.
