GLOBAL JOURNAL OF FISHERIES SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2782-750X
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJFS
Start Year: 2018
Email: gjfs@integrityresjournals.org
Accumulation of heavy metals in the muscle tissues of smoked tilapia, catfish, and African lungfish sold by fish vendors along the Komodugu River, Yobe State, Nigeria
https://doi.org/10.31248/GJFS2026.106 | Article Number: E83488492 | Vol.8 (3) - July 2026
Received Date: 01 May 2026 | Accepted Date: 01 June 2026 | Published Date: 30 July 2026
Authors: Adamu, L. , Musa, A.R.* , Muhammad, B.K. , Zangina, A.M. , Abdullahi, A.A. , Makinde, O.J. , Zango, M.H. , Mohammed, A. , Baraya, H.G. and Muhammad U.M.
Keywords: Heavy metals, health risk, sustainable., contaminant, Aquatic pollution
Heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems poses serious health risks to both aquatic life and humans. The tissue-specific bioaccumulation of these metals in fish from polluted waters can result in life-threatening illnesses or even mortality. In the Komodugu River region, limited research has been conducted to evaluate heavy metal concentrations in fish consumed by residents. This study sought to determine the levels of five heavy metals—Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Mercury (Hg), and Arsenic (As)—in the muscle tissues of three commonly smoked fish species: Tilapia, African lungfish, and catfish. Ten samples of each species were purchased from local vendors along the Komadugu River in Yobe State, transported under chilled conditions in an ice box to maintain sample integrity, and analysed in the laboratory using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Findings showed no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in Cr, Cd, and Hg concentrations in African lungfish, whereas Pb levels differed significantly (p<0.05). Overall, the concentrations of most heavy metals exceeded the maximum permissible limits, except for mercury (Hg). These results suggest that consumption of these fish species may pose potential health hazards to humans. The study contributes to the growing body of evidence on freshwater ecosystem contamination and highlights the need for stricter regulation of artisanal fish processing and distribution practices.
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