COMPARATIVE STUDY OF HEAVY METALS IN WILD CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS) FROM JABI LAKE AND CULTURED CATFISH FROM GWAGWALADA FISH MARKET ABUJA

Abstract

Pollution of heavy metals affect aquatic environments due to rise in natural processes and anthropogenic activities. The aim of the study was to analyse heavy metals in wild catfish from Jabi Lake and cultured catfish (Clarias gariepinus) from Gwagwalada fish market in Abuja. The specific objectives were to compare the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Cd) in wild and cultured Clarias gariepinus. A total of 80 Clarias gariepinus were used for the study. Forty (40) fish from each group were purchased from Jabi Lake and Gwagwalada fish market respectively. The fish samples were prepared and digested using nitric acid and Sulphuric acid in a ratio of 3:1 for about 1 hour using a hot plate. The digested solution was taken to the fully automated PC-controlled double-beam iCE 300 Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer for analysis. The result showed the presence of the five heavy metals. The mean levels of lead (Pb) and Cd in the cultured fish were (2.929 ±0.707) and Cd (0.1867 ±0.508) respectively. The result of the lake wild cat fish showed  Pb > Fe > Cr > Cd > Cu while that of the catfish cultured in Gwagwalada market showed Pb > Fe > Cr > Cd > Cu. The study's finding showed that wild catfish had greater concentrations of heavy metals than cultured fish.