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Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Fish Species from Coastal Beach Waters South-South Nigeria

Author

Listed:
  • Ezeamaechi, Ejiofor Chibuzor

    (National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). Oil Field Assessment Department)

  • Ubuoh Emmanuel Attah

    (National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA). Oil Field Assessment Department)

  • Kalu, O. Obasi

    (Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology)

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination of fish is a serious public health concern worldwide and Nigeria is not an exception to this. In this study, eight commonly consumed fish species namely; African Cat Fish (Clarias gariepinus), Croacker Fish (Micropogonias undulatus), Sardine Fish (Sardinella maderensis), NileTilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), Tilapia (Tilapia zillii), Bony Tongue Fish (Heterotis niloticus), Cat Fish (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) and Elephant Fish (Campylomomyrus rhychophorus) were analyzed for Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Zinc (Zn) and Mercury (Hg) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The fish samples were collected from fisher men at the beaches. The Estimated Daily Intake, Target Hazard Quotient, Health risk index, Hazard Index, and Carcinogenic/Cancer Risk (CR) were assessed for adults and children. Heavy metal analysis showed that Pb, Cr, Zn and Cd were observed in all the fish species, Cu in some of the fish species while Hg and As were not observed in any of the fish species. Cd and Pb exceeded the maximum permissible limit. The estimated daily intake (EDI) values for the metals were lower than the recommended dietary allowance for adults for both seasons while Pb exceeded the recommended dietary allowance for children at Tourist beach and Ibeno beach during the wet season, Tourist, Ibeno, Okpoama and Asaba beaches during the dry season. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) were

Suggested Citation

  • Ezeamaechi, Ejiofor Chibuzor & Ubuoh Emmanuel Attah & Kalu, O. Obasi, 2026. "Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Fish Species from Coastal Beach Waters South-South Nigeria," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 11(4), pages 409-434, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjf:journl:v:11:y:2026:i:4:p:409-434
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    References listed on IDEAS

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