Author(s)

Amanna Chibuike Esinulo, Iloegbunam Alfred Kelle, Dike Henry Ogbuagu^*

Department of Environmental Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Nigeria.

Increasing rate of consumption of the common African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, a popular delicacy in Delta State, Nigeria has raised worries about the safety of health of consumers in the face of perceived rising input of recalcitrant pollutants such as the heavy metals in aquatic habitats. This research investigated the presence and levels of Zn in muscle and brain tissues of C. gariepinus sourced from selected markets in Delta State. Replicate adult fish samples were obtained from seven market locations in Oleh, Asaba, Ekpan, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Okere, Abraka and Ughelli towns, labeled and taken to the laboratory in iced coolers. The presence and levels of the heavy metal were determined spectrophotometrically. Concentrations ranged from 0.015 - 0.19 (0.09 ± 0.02) mg/kg d.w. in muscle and 0.035 - 0.36 (0.16 ± 0.03) mg/kg d.w. in brain tissues, even as accumulation levels differed significantly (t = 0.005) between the tissues at p < 0.05. There was also significant locational heterogeneity in accumulations of the metal [F_(100.97) > F_crit(4.02)] at the 95% confidence limit; with least accumulation of 0.03 (±0.01) mg/kg d.w. recorded in fish samples obtained from Ughelli and maximum accumulation of 0.28 (±0.07) mg/kg d.w. recorded in those obtained from Oleh locations. However, levels were below the Food and Agricultural Organization and World Health Organization acceptable limits for Zn in edible fish. Results revealed that lipophilic brain tissues accumulated more heavy metal than muscle tissues. Since accumulation levels were low, they do not currently constitute public health risks to consumers in Delta State.

African Catfish, Heavy Metals, Tissue Accumulation, Delta State, Local Delicacy

Esinulo, A. , Kelle, I. and Ogbuagu, D. (2016) Bioaccumulation of Zn in Muscle and Brain Tissues of the African Catfish—Clarias gariepinus. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 4, 12-20. doi: 10.4236/gep.2016.45002.