Palgo Journals Of Agriculture , Vol. 10(3) PP. 51-62 ,JULY, 2026. Copyright © 2026 Palgo Journals
Bioaccumulation and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Clearias gariepinus and Tilapia zilli in Barkin Ladi Abandoned Mining Ponds, Platea State, Nigeria
J. G. Nangbes1*, H. M. Adamu2, A. M. Kolo2, U. F. Hassan2 , B. M. Wufem1 & V. D. Choji3
Department of Chemistry, Plateau State University, Bokkos, P.M.B. 2012, Jos, Nigeria1 Department of Chemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Nigeria2 Department of Geography, Plateau State University, Bokkos, P. M.B. 2012, Jos, Nigeria3
Fish Samples of average sizes were selectively collected from twelve (12) sampling sites in Barkin Ladi LGA. Samples
were treated and analyzed using standard procedures as established in standard methods and the works of many other
scholars and levels of heavy metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Perkin Elmer, (Model
3100). The results confirmed the differences in the accumulation of elements in different catfish organs. The element
concentrations in the catfish samples decreased in the sequence for the flesh as Ni > Cr > Pb > Hg > As > Cd, for the gills
Ni > Hg > Cr > Pb > As > Cd, for kidney Ni > Pb > Hg > Cr > As > Cd, for liver Ni > Cr > Cd > Pb > Hg > As. Arsenic
showed the least bioaccumulation in all the organs followed by Cd which is significantly higher in the liver. Important health
risk parameters such as target hazard quotient (THQ) and estimated daily intake (EDI) were evaluated. THQ for adults in
both species of fish in gave values > 1 thus indicating risk of consumption except for Cd, Hg, Ni, and Pb in catfish flesh
with values 0.91, 0.83, and 0.46 respectively, gill Cd, Ni, Pb (0.40, 0.27, 0.46), kidney Cd (0.35) and liver Pb (0.70). For
tilapia fish, the results revealed that flesh Cd, Ni, and Pb were 0.46, 0.29, and 0.84 respectively, gill Cd, Ni, and Pb Ni, and
Pb (0.46, 0.58, 0.42), kidney Cd, Ni, and Pb (0.32, 0.78. 0.53) and liver Cd (0.38), Pb (0.36). On an average overall
perspective, however, the two fish samples pose a great health hazard to consumers. Similarly, the EDI THQ values for
both samples in adults and children for all the heavy metals examined gave values < 1, thus recommended for
consumption at the rate of intake only. However, the need for heavy metal remediation of the ponds is highly recommended
as they serve as good natural habitat for fish production and other economic activities such as irrigation and dry season
farming so that the pond water can be a safe natural resource.
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Keywords: Heavy Metal, Health Harzard, Clearias gariepinus, Tilapia zilli, Barkin Ladi
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