Abstract
Background: Heavy metals are intrinsic, natural constituents of our environment and are generally present in small amounts in natural aquatic environments. Humans may be contaminated by organic and inorganic pollutants associated with aquatic systems by consumption of contaminated aquatic foods from the environment. Relevant patents relating to heavy metal concentration in aquatic molluscs were reviewed. Gastropods; a promising bio-indicator and bio-monitoring subject, abound in brackish ecosystems in the Niger Delta, and are easily available for collection. Iko River Estuary, in Niger Delta zone, is one of the popular coastal areas of Nigeria where massive oil exploitation, exploration, production and refining processes take place.
Methods: The concentration of five heavy metals; Cadmium (Cd), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg) and Zinc (Zn) in the tissues of periwinkle; Typanotonus fuscatus, a gastropod bought from fishers fishing along the coast of Iko River Estuary was determined using UNICAM Solar Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer 969 model for five months.
Results: The results showed that Cd ranged from 68.83-130.5mg/kg with a mean value of 104.47±23.85mg/kg, Cu ranged from 34.9-73.62mg/kg with a mean value of 57.70±17.19mg/kg, Pb ranged between 54.27-102.54mg/kg with a mean value of 85.03±18.52mg/kg, Mercury ranged from 0.01-1.84mg/kg with a mean value of 0.41±0.80mg/kg and Zn ranged from 270.2-508.16mg/kg with a mean of 384.99±103.99mg/kg. The sequence of heavy metal concentration in the tissue of periwinkle was; Zn ˃ Cd ˃ Pb ˃ Cu ˃ Hg while the sequence of non-essential metals was Cd ˃ Pb ˃ Hg.
Conclusion: Except for Mercury, the mean concentration of the metals was above the maximum permissible limits recommended by relevant bodies and organizations. Hence, there is need for regular monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in this water body and the aquatic organism inhabitants because of the long term effects.
Keywords: Heavy metals, Tympanotomus fuscatus, Iko River Estuary, Nigeria, gastropods, periwinkle.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advancements in Plant Genetics and Genomics
This thematic issue will highlight cutting-edge innovations and recent patents across the breadth of plant genetics and genomics. Key topics will include advanced breeding techniques, omics-based approaches, gene editing, trait discovery, and translational applications for crop improvement. Renowned researchers from leading institutions worldwide will provide state-of-the-art insights and future perspectives ...read more
Related Books
In Vitro Propagation and Secondary Metabolite Production from Medicinal Plants: Current Trends (Part 2)
Micropropagation of Medicinal Plants
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Biotechnology and Drug Development for Targeting Human Diseases
In Vitro Propagation and Secondary Metabolite Production from Medicinal Plants: Current Trends (Part 1)
Molecular and Physiological Insights into Plant Stress Tolerance and Applications in Agriculture- Part 2
Micropropagation of Medicinal Plants
Genome Editing in Bacteria (Part 1)
Data Science for Agricultural Innovation and Productivity
Animal Models In Experimental Medicine
29