Aquatic Health Risks of Selenium, Vanadium, Molybdenum and Tin in River Niger: Insights from Fish, Water and Sediment Analysis

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution is also dangerous environmental issue, especially in water bodies that are exposed to the influence of industrial, agricultural, and urban effluents. This present study, was designed to determine the concentrations of selenium (Se), vanadium (V), molybdenum (Mo), and tin (Sn) in fish, water, and sediments collected from three stations of River Niger: Atani, Bridgehead, and Otuocha. The concentrations were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Se, V, and Sn were not detectable at Atani in water and fish but Se was found in sediments (0.22 mg/kg), while Mo was found both in fish (0.68 mg/kg) and sediments (0.67 mg/kg). At Bridgehead, Se (0.12 mg/L) and V (0.14 mg/L) were found in water only, while Mo was observed both in fish (0.78 mg/kg) and sediments (0.87 mg/kg). In Otuocha, Mo and Sn were undetectable in all samples, but Se was found in fish (0.18 mg/kg), water (0.66 mg/L), and sediments (0.67 mg/kg), but sediments contained the highest levels. Vanadium was found only in water (0.32 mg/L). The findings reflect site-specific variations in the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals within the River Niger ecosystem. Regular occurrence of Se and Mo in various matrices indicates bioaccumulation, while the sporadic occurrence of V and lack of detection of Sn indicate localized anthropogenic or natural source effects. Although some of the metals are trace elements at essential levels, at high levels, they become ecological and health hazards. Surveillance is therefore recommended to safeguard water life and human health in societies dependent on the River Niger.