African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 7 (1), pp. 063-064, 4 January 2008   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2008 Academic Journals        

Short Communication

Cadmium and lead levels in some fish species from Azuabie creek in the Bonny Esturary, Nigeria

Erema R. Daka*, Calista A. Ekeh and Miebaka Moslen

Department of Applied and Environmental Biology, Rivers State University of Science and Technology, PMB 5080, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: eremadaka@yahoo.com.

Accepted 14 November, 2007

The concentrations of cadmium and lead were determined in seven fish species from the Azuabie creek in the upper Bonny estuary of the Niger Delta, which is associated with industrial and abattoir discharges. Cadmium concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.06 mg/kg and show no significant difference between species. The concentrations of lead (ranging from 0.104 to 0.310 mg/kg) were significantly higher in Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus and Gobius niger than other species examined. Also, lead was significantly higher than cadmium. The metal concentrations obtained were within values that may be considered safe for human consumption.

Key words: Fish, cadmium, lead, estuary, Niger Delta.