Heavy Metal Profiles of Sediment, Macrophytes and Water Quality Parameters of the Stream in Adekunle Ajasin University Fish Farm, Akungba- Akoko.

Abstract

Both natural and human activities contribute to the bioaccumulation and transfer of heavy metals, along the food chains resulting in significant environmental and health implications. The worldwide issue of heavy metals contamination in plants and water requires attention, as elevated levels of heavy metals can be extremely harmful to both plant and animal life. In this study, the physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals of water, sediments, and macrophytes from the stream flowing through Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) fish farm were analyzed. The water's physico-chemical parameters were within permissible limits, except for a few parameters such as total dissolved solids, temperature, and electrical conductivity values that were lower than the WHO recommended values. Heavy metals analyses revealed that Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, and Fe were within the permissible limits, while Mn and Pb exceeded the limits in the water samples. Sediments and macrophytes samples showed that the following Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Fe were above the World Health Organization’s (WHO) permissible limits. Conclusively, the water in the stream flowing through AAUA fish farms and Akungba community is suitable for fish culture. However, considering the higher values of sediment and macrophytes beyond permissible limits, it is crucial to broaden the approach beyond continuous monitoring of heavy metal levels through standard assessment studies. The findings presented by this study highlight the need for increased education and awareness regarding the effects of unwholesome anthropogenic activities along the stream.