HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION OF WATER, SEDIMENTS, AND FISH FAUNA IN WOJI CREEK AND ITS HEALTH IMPLICATIONS IN THE NIGER DELTA, NIGERIA

Heavy metal contamination of aquatic ecosystems poses significant environmental and public health risks, particularly in communities dependent on such resources for water and food. This study evaluates the potential human health risks associated with heavy metal contamination of fish and aquatic environments in Woji Creek, Niger Delta, Nigeria. Samples of water, sediment, and fish were collected monthly from five stations between October 2023 and September 2024 and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, while physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. Mean total dissolved solids (5432.03 mg/L), hardness (4158.40 mg/L), and chloride (8790.14 mg/L) exceeded World Health Organization WHO limits, while dissolved oxygen (2.72 mg/L) was below recommended levels. Lead (Pb) (0.163 mg/L) and Chromium (Cr) (0.408 mg/L) exceeded permissible limits in water, with seasonal variations showing higher Manganese (Mn), Cr, and Nickel (Ni) in the dry season and Pb in the wet season. In sediments, only Cadmium (Cd) (6.843 mg/kg) exceeded limits. In fish, Pb, Mn, Cr, and Ni exceeded Food and Agriculture Organization, FAO/WHO limits. The elevated concentrations of heavy metals, particularly in fish, indicate significant contamination and potential health risks to consumers, necessitating urgent monitoring and remediation are recommended to improve water quality and ensure food safety.