Concentration of Selected Heavy Metals in Sediments and Liver of Wild African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya
Loading...
Date
2016
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Annual Research & Review in Biology
Abstract
It is evident that high heavy metal concentrations in sediments are eventually magnified along the
aquatic lives like fish hence affecting human health. The present study therefore sought to
determine the concentration of some heavy metals in sediments and liver of Wild African Catfish
(Clarias gariepinus) in Lake Kanyaboli, Kenya. Fish were collected with the aid of a gill net of mesh
size 4” and 5” whereas bottom sediments were collected by ErkMan crab sampler. The
concentrations of Cadmium, Chromium, Zinc, Copper, and Lead in lake sediment and in the liver of
Clariasgariepinus were determined using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS).
Mean differences were determined using ANOVA and separation of means with Tukey’s test.
Correlation analysis was done to determine the relationship of heavy metal contamination in
sediments and fish liver. Obtained results showed that mean metal concentration in sediments were Cd (0.49 ± 0.02 - 0.77 ± 0.02), Cr (4.26 ± 0.015 - 7.48 ± 0.042), Zn (79.61 ± 0.57 - 87.09 ± 1.01), Cu
(14.03 ± 0.05 - 20.43 ± 0.55) and Pb (14.38 ± 0.96 - 155.56 ± 0.21). Metals concentrations were
significantly (p < 0.05) higher in station 2 than at the other stations. The mean heavy metal
concentrations in Clarias gariepinus liver were Cd (nd- 0.22 ± 0.01), Cr (0.37 ± 0.01 - 1.67 ± 0.03),
Zn (7.12 ± 0.03 - 13.40 ± 0.32), Cu (2.12 ± 0.12 - 4.16 ± 0.12) and Pb (1.63 ± 0.33 - 14.40 ± 0.58).
Zn exhibited a significant difference between the stations. Pearson’s correlation coefficient revealed
positive correlation between heavy metals in sediments and fish liver except for Pb - Cd (r = -0.638;
p = 0.849), Pb - Zn (r = - 0418; p = 0.689) and Pb - Cu (r = -0.461). The study concluded that Lake
Kanyaboli contained elevated levels of heavy metals probably due to anthropogenic activities.
Consequently, activities that cause the contamination should be discouraged by the suitable
governmental agencies.
Description
Keywords
Citation
DOI: 10.9734/ARRB/2016/28471