Bioaccumulation of metals in Tilapia zillii from Badeni Dam, Côte d'Ivoire

Abstract

Given the importance of fish as a source of protein and the potential for exposure of humans to metal elements, metal bioaccumulation concentrations in Tilapia zillii from four sites in the Badeni Dam on the Badeni River, Côte d'Ivoire, were analysed in March 2013. There were no significant differences between sites and therefore mean values for the impoundment as a whole were used to compare data with those from the literature. Comparative analysis showed elevated levels of manganese, iron, zinc, copper and cadmium from fish in this study. Due to the absence of human influence in the catchment area, these elevated levels are attributed to the unique geological characteristics of the catchment, compounded by the impoundment conditions. Further studies on fish condition to ascertain the effects of the elevated metal concentrations are recommended.