Heavy metal pollution and its resultant accumulation to toxic levels in the Barekese reservoir may threaten human
health through the consumption of fish from the Reservoir. The presence and concentrations of arsenic and some other
heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd) were determined in muscle tissues of widely distributed and highly consumed
fish species from the Barekese reservoir using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. A total of 45 fish samples
comprising three species (Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zilli and Heterotis niloticus) were analyzed for their metal
levels. Heavy metals concentrations (mg/kg, w.w) showed varying trends of detection among muscle tissues of selected
fish species. However, Hg, Ni, Cr and Cd were detected in muscle tissues of all fish species examined in the study.
Indices for non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were estimated for child and adult upon their consumption of
fish from the Reservoir. Results of the study indicate a significant level of exposure to Hg, Ni, Cr and Cd through the
consumption of fish species from the Reservoir. Health risk assessment also revealed that children are at a relatively
higher non-carcinogenic risk through the consumption of metals in Heterotis niloticus (HQ = 2.95 × 10-1). Also,
the consumption of all examined fish species from the Reservoir pose no significant cancer risk effects to humans.
The present study, therefore, concludes that anthropogenic activities along the Offin River and within the Barekese
reservoir’s catchments could lead to deteriorating the quality of fish from the Reservoir hence regular monitoring
of such activities is needed.
Seasonal Examination of Heavy Metal Levels in Muscle Tissues of European pilchard (Sardina pilchardus, Walbaum 1792)
