DISTRIBUTION AND BIOACCUMULATION OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL (PCB) RESIDUES IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND Clarias gariepinus FROM ZOBE RESERVOIR, KATSINA STATE, NIGERIA
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1007-5260Keywords:
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Clarias gariepinus, Zobe, Sediments, ReservoirAbstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants of global concern due to their toxicity, environmental persistence, and bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms. This study assessed physicochemical characteristics and concentrations of selected PCB congeners (PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-138, PCB-153, and PCB-180) in water, sediment, and tissues (muscle, liver, and gills) of Clarias gariepinus from Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. Physicochemical parameters indicated moderate organic pollution with spatial variation. Turbidity ranged from 27–51 NTU, exceeding NESREA limits, while dissolved oxygen showed negative correlations with turbidity (r = –0.39) and biological oxygen demand (r = –0.45). Conductivity correlated strongly with nitrate (r = 0.77, p < 0.05), suggesting runoff influence. PCB concentrations followed the pattern: sediment > liver > muscle > gills > water. Water concentrations were low (0.012–0.060 µg/L) with no significant variation. Higher concentrations were observed in sediment (up to 0.320 mg/kg) and fish tissues, particularly liver (up to 0.302 mg/kg), indicating bioaccumulation. PCB-101 showed the highest levels across all matrices. Significant differences occurred among sample types (p < 0.001), but not across stations or months, suggesting widespread contamination. Sediments act as the primary sink, while the liver is the major site of accumulation. Despite low concentrations in water, elevated levels in fish tissues indicate ecological and potential public health risks. Continuous monitoring of PCB contamination in the reservoir is recommended.
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