What question did this study set out to answer?

The research aims to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals and total hydrocarbons in blue crabs from the Ibaka River.

May 12, 2026Open Access

Proximate Analysis, heavy metals and total hydrocarbon content of Callinectes sapidus obtained from Ibaka River, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Key Points

The research aims to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals and total hydrocarbons in blue crabs from the Ibaka River.
Collected Callinectes sapidus from five stations along the Ibaka River.
Analyzed heavy metals using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer.
Determined total hydrocarbon content using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector.
Heavy metal concentrations exceeded WHO standards: Pb 1.0912 mg/kg, Cd 0.0644 mg/kg, Cu 4.0176 mg/kg, Zn 0.2464 mg/kg, Cr 0.8202 mg/kg.
Total hydrocarbon content was above the DPR regulatory limit of 0.6 mg/kg.
Proximate analysis showed moisture content of 59.99%, fat 21.00%, and protein 3.88%.

Abstract

The utilization of faunas as bio indicators for environmental monitoring has been very useful especially in the evaluation of heavy metal contamination and hydrocarbons. This study aims at assessing the Total Hydrocarbon Content (THC), concentration of Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium, copper, zinc and chromium) and proximate determination in Callinectes sapidus (blue crab) collected from five stations along Ibaka River, Mbo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. However, the metals analysis was determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Buck Scientific 210VGP model). The mean results were obtained in mg/kg as follows Pb (1.0912 ± 0.4000), Cd (0.0644 ± 0.1000), Cu (4.0176 ± 0.0800), Zn (0.2464 ± 0.1000), and Cr (0.8202 ± 0.0600). The results obtained from proximate analysis showed that the Callinectes sapidus has moisture content of (59.99 %), Ash (15.03%), Fat (21.00%), Crude Fibre (0.43 %), Protein (3.88%), and Carbohydrate (15.03 %).The THC was analyzed using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and the results were above the department of petroleum resources( DPR) regulatory limits (0.6 mg/kg). The value obtained during the heavy metal analysis exceeded the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforce Agency (NESREA) and also above the Permissible limits for aquatic food. These revealed that the area is under a serious pollution threat. To ensure healthier and cleaner environment, there is need for early remediation to avoid potential health risk.

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