ASSESMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN EKUKU DAM

Abstract

This study determines the heavy metal concentrations of water from Ekuku dam in Okene local government area of Kogi state. Water samples and available fish samples from Ekuku dam were collected, digested and analysed using inductively couple plasma – optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). There results of water samples were below or within the range of the recommended limit of WHO and other recognized regulatory bodies. Similarly, the head, gills, muscle and liver of the two fishes sample collected from Ekuku dam were found to contain all the analysed heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Hg) at different levels. Some of the determine metals in the parts of the fishes may not be harmful to consumers because the observed values of heavy metals were below the permissible limits issued by World Health Organisation (WHO) and other recognized regulatory bodies for human consumption however, elements like Cr, Ni and Pb call for serious concerned. Finally, Pearson’s correlation at 95% confidence levels of significance was calculated for finding relationship between elements content in water and fish sample. Significantly positive and negative correlation was observed between different elements in water and fish samples.