Concentration of heavy metals in fish from Berlin, Lithuanian and Nigerian inland waters

• Published in: Toxicology letters pp. 57 - 58
• Main Authors: Onyenekwe, P C, Stanikien, B, Palavinskas, R, Boess, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.06.1999
• Subjects: Pisces; Nigeria; Lithuania; Germany
• ISSN: 0378-4274

Studies from a variety of locations have shown wide spread occurrence of metals in the surface waters at concentrations significantly higher than the background levels. This elevated level is not limited to certain water types or polluted areas. The level and type of human activities determine the extent of contamination. Hence, extrapolation of results from a particular study to other situations where the biological species or environmental conditions are different is difficult. Even where there are no changes in biological species and environmental conditions regular monitoring is absolutely necessary. The objective of this study therefore was to determine and compare the concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, and U) in fish samples collected from Lithuania, Berlin and Nigeria using ICP-MS. Lead concentration ranged from 0.00 mgkg super(-1) wet sample for Berlin whitefish (Coregonus spp) up to 0.06 mgkg super(-1) for Berlin perch. The metal concentrations were found to be influenced by fish type and origin. Based on origin flesh of sample from Berlin had the least concentration of Cr, and Cd. Whereas those from Nigeria were least in Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn but highest in Cr. Samples from Lithuania had the highest concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, and Zn. Zero concentration of Uranium was detected in the flesh of all the samples except a sample from Ignalina in Lithuania that was found to contain trace amount (0.001 mgkg super(-1)). The heavy metal concentrations of all the samples were within the tolerant levels. For one to exceed the tolerant level of Lead consumption of more than 5 kg of the sample from Berlin is required however, based on the global diet, fish intake per day is about 2.6% of the daily food intake (that is about 33 gday super(-1)).