ABSTRACT
The present study investigated the heavy metal content in fish and pond water from a fish farm in Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area using standard analytical method. The result obtained from the analysis showed that Chromium; 0.517± 0.864 mg/kg and 0.343 ± 0.294 mg/kg; Nickel; 0.188 ± 0.007 mg/kg and 0.158 ± 0.009 mg/kg; Lead; 0.144 ± 0.263 mg/kg and 0.220 ± 0.254 mg/kg; Copper; 0.046 ± 0.034 mg/kg and 0.018 ± 0.198 mg/kg and Cadmium; 0.044 ± 0.004 mg/kg and 0.044 ± 0.000 mg/kg for fish and pond water respectively. Concentrations of heavy metals in the fish and pond water analyzed was in descending order of Cr>Ni>Pb>Cu>Cd. The findings suggests that because of the presence of some heavy metals in higher concentration than the recommended maxima ( chromium, nickel, lead and cadmium) in fish and pond water, they can be bio accumulation of these metals in human as their eventual entry into the food chain can be associated with health risk being manifested. There is need for regular monitoring of the heavy metal load in this pond to guard against long term effects of its presence in the water which may influence the uptake by fish and humans after consumption.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
Certification – – – – – – – – ii
Dedication – – – – – – – – iii
Acknowledgement s – – – – – – – iv
Abstract – – – – – – – – – v
Table of Contents – – – – – – – vi-viii
List of Tables – – – – – – – ix
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study – – – – – 1-3
1.2 Aim and Objectives of the Study – – – – 3
1.3 Scope and Limitations of the Study – – – – 4
1.3.1 Scope of the Study – – – – – – 4
1.3.2 Limitations of the Study – – – – – – 4
1.4 Definitions of Terms – – – – – – 4-5
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Evolution of Fish – – – – – 6
2.2 Taxonomy of Fish – – – – – – 6-7
2.3 Anatomy and Physiology – – – – 7-8
2.3.1 Respiration – – – – – 8
2.3.1.1 Gills – – – – – – – 9
2.3.1.2 Air Breathing – – – – – – 9-10
2.3.2 Circulation – – – – – – 10-11
2.3.3 Digestion – – – – – – – 11
2.3.4 Excretion – – – – – – – 12
2.3.5 Central Nervous System – – – – 12-13
2.3.6 Sense Organs – – – – – – 13-14
2.3.7 Reproduction – – – – – – 14-15
2.4 Importance to Human – – – – – 15
2.4.1 Food – – – – – – – 15-16
2.4.2 Recreation – – – – – – – 16
2.4.3 Science – – – – – – – 16
2.4.4 Literature and Film – – – – – 17
2.4.5 Religion – – – – – – 17
2.5 Heavy Metals – – – – – – 18
2.5.1 Nickel – – – – – – – 19
2.5.2 Lead – – – – – – – 20-21
2.5.3 Copper – – – – – – – 21-22
2.5.4 Cadmium – – – – – – – 22-23
2.5.5 Chromium – – – – – – – 23-24
2.6 Actions of heavy metals – – – – 24
2.6.1 On Liver – – – – – – – 25
2.6.2 On Kidney – – – – – – – 25
2.6.3 On Gills – – – – – – – 26
2.6.4 On Muscle – – – – – – – 26
2.7 Fish strategies to Overcome Heavy Metal Stress – 27
CHAPTER THREE
MATERIALS, REAGENT AND METHOD
3.1 Materials and Reagents – – – – – 28
3.1.1 Materials – – – – – – – 28
3.1.2 Reagents – – – – – – – 28
3.2 Methods – – – – – – – 29
3.2.1 Collection of Samples – – – – – 29
3.2.2 Preparation of Samples – – – – – 29
3.2.3 Digestion of Samples – – – – – 29
3.2.3.1 Digestion of Pond Water – – – – 29
3.2.3.2 Digestion of Fish – – – – – – 30-31
CHAPTER FOUR
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 Results – – – – – – – – 32
- Discussion – – – – – – – 33-36
CHAPTER FIVE
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion – – – – – – – 37
5.2 Recommendations – – – – – – 38
References
