Bioaccumulation Of Heavy Metals In Crabs At Bundu-Ama Community, Port Harcourt.

Abstract

The potential bioaccumulation of heavy metals in crabs collected from Bundu-Ama environs using X-Ray Fluorescence spectrophotometer was investigated. Bundu Ama creeks, rivers and soil support subsistent and commercial crab harvest. Industrial activities and municipal waste discharges into the environment of the community have contributed to possible high concentrations of trace metals. The mean concentration of the heavy metals from the four sampled stations were as follows: Chromium 8.85mg/kg, Copper 196mg/kg, Barium 403mg/kg, Lead < 1.00,Nickel 25.8mg/kg, Arsenic 0.83mg/kg, Cadmium <2.00mg/kg, Mercury <1.00mg/kg, Selenium < 0.50mg/kg and Vanadium 11.3mg/kg. The concentrations of Chromium, Copper, Barium, Nickel, Arsenic and Vanadium exceeded the standard limits of USEPA, WHO and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) for drinking water quality. The analysis report suggests that activities in the area have contributed to high sediment contributions of these contaminants and consumption of the crabs may be considered unsafe.

Keywords: Bundu-Ama, Crab, Heavy metal, Bioaccumulation.