Bioaccumulation and distribution of organochlorine residues across the food web in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria
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Date
2016
Authors
Akinsanya, B.
Alani, R.
Ukwa, U.
Saliu, J.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
AFRICAN JOURNAL OF AQUATIC SCIENCE
Abstract
Eighteen organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues were measured in the water, sediment, plankton, benthic
invertebrates and fish in various sections of the Lagos Lagoon in 2014 to investigate their bioaccumulation and
distribution in the food web. The analysis was done using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector.
The concentrations of OCPs in water and sediment ranged from 0.00 to 2.24 μg kg−1 and 0.00 to 1 673.57 μg kg−1,
respectively. The sediment had the highest deposition of OCPs, with a total concentration of 2 953.84 μg kg−1. Lindane
and heptachlor epoxide had the highest mean concentrations in the sediment, 1 673.57 μg kg−1 and 1 122.74 μg kg−1,
respectively, while other OCPs were also found in the biota. Bentho-pelagic fishes had the highest biota-sediment
accumulation factor (BSAF) in nine OCP residues, ranging from 1 to 32, and benthic invertebrates had the highest
BSAF in three OCP residues, ranging from 1 to 91. The trend in total concentration of OCPs in the lagoon was
sediment > Melicertus kerathurus > Eleotris soaresi > Pomadasys jubelini > Tilapia guineensis > Callinectes amnicola >
plankton > water. The transfer of organochlorine residues in the food chain and its distribution in the trophic levels was
influenced by habitat, environmental conditions, feeding habit and biochemical composition of individual populations.
The total residual concentration of OCPs in shellfish and fish ranged between 0.16 ppm and 0.69 ppm. This
concentration is quite high compared to the Federal Ministry of Environment limit of <0.01 ppm, and can be harmful if
the trend is not checked. Continuous monitoring procedures need to be put in place for environmental safety.
Description
Staff publications
Keywords
Biota , Gas chromatography , Pesticide , Sediment , Research Subject Categories::NATURAL SCIENCES
Citation
Akinsanya, B., Alani, R., Ukwa, U. and Saliu, J. (2016). Bioaccumulation and distribution of organochlorine residues across the food web in Lagos Lagoon, Nigeria.