Center for Environment and Energy Research and Studies (CEERS)
Abstract
Elevated levels of heavy metals in the catfish Synodontis clarias can
be a good indication of pollution of an aquatic ecosystem due to
anthropogenic influence. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, Mn and Ni
were determined in Synodontis clarias caught along a section of Taylor
Creek and its associated tributaries. Samples were collected bimonthly
between July 1999 and June 2000 in five stations. The metals: Zn, Cd,
Ni, Pb and Mn were recorded in appreciable quantities, signifying their
bioavailability. The levels of Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Mn may have obvious
health implications on the rural communities that depend on fish
species as fish supplement in view of its rich protein content and its
bio-economic value. Generally, the sources of the metals in the catfish
appear to be point and diffuse which include rural and agricultural
runoff sources in the catchments area. However, the presence of an oil
industry activity (Etelebou oil field and flow station) in one of its
tributaries appears to be the major point source of the metal
pollutants