Trace Metals Accumulation in Oreochromis niloticus Inhabiting Chari River along the Banda Township in Chad

Abstract

This study was undertaken to evaluate the trace metals in the fish Oreochromis niloticus inhabiting water of the Chari river, along the Banda township in the middle-Chari Province (Chad). Fishes were sampled at three sites along the river. Trace metals in fish meat were assessed through atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results indicated that fish meat contents in Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, Cu and Zn were ranged respectively from 0.482, 0.144, 0.632, 1.110, 1.479 and 4.465 mg/Kg in the dry season, compared to 0.545, 0.179, 0.624, 0.946, 2.917 and 1.813 mg/Kg in the wet season. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) of Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn was higher than 1, indicating that these heavy metals were indeed accumulated in Oreochromis niloticus. Copper was the most accumulated metal in fish meat during both campaigns. The source of accumulation of these trace metals in fishes was undoubtly from water, and was thought to originate either from the abusive utilization of phytosanitary inputs in agriculture or from nearby wastewater’s factories thrown into the Chari river. It is suggested appropriate controlled measures to be taken to decrease the trace metals pollution of the Chari river, and thereof that of the inhabiting fishes.