Environmental and Health Implications of Heavy Metal Exposure in Oreochromis niloticus from Sabke Reservoir Katsina State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70882/josrar.2026.v3i5.286Keywords:
Bioaccumulation, Heavy metals, Histopathology, Oreochromis niloticus, Sabke ReservoirAbstract
This study assessed heavy metal contamination (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in water, sediment, and Oreochromis niloticus tissues from Sabke Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria, over six months (June–November 2024) at three stations. Water and sediment samples were analysed using APHA protocols, while fish gills, liver, and muscle were analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The liver accumulated the highest concentrations, particularly Cr (1.08 ± 0.64 mg/kg) and Pb (4.21 ± 2.59 mg/kg), while gills recorded the highest Zn (0.068 ± 0.035 mg/kg) and positive correlations with sediment-derived Cr (r = 0.623, p < 0.05) and Ni (r = 0.789, p < 0.01). Muscle recorded the lowest concentrations. Health risk assessment indicated significant non-carcinogenic risks from Cr (HQ = 4.79) and Pb (HQ = 9.49), exceeding the safe threshold of 1.0. Carcinogenic risks for Cr (CR = 7.18 × 10⁻³) and Cd (CR = 1.14 × 10⁻⁴) exceeded the acceptable level of 1 × 10⁻⁴. Bioaccumulation Factor analysis confirmed accumulation of Cd (BAF = 1.51) and Ni (BAF = 1.06). Histopathology revealed epithelial loss and lamellar detachment in gills, hepatic congestion and hepatocellular necrosis, and slight muscle fibre fragmentation, indicating chronic tissue stress. The findings demonstrate significant heavy metal pollution with ecological and human health implications through fish consumption, attributed to agricultural runoff, improper waste disposal, and illegal mining. Continuous monitoring, public awareness, stringent regulation, and sustainable agricultural and industrial practices are recommended.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Timothy Auta, Ismail Nasir, Muhammad A. Yahaya, Umaru Musa Kankara, Mustapha A. Sadauki, Auwalu Jalo (Author)
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