چكيده لاتين :
Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fauna and flora in the Ijaw area of the Niger Delta of Nigeria were
investigated. The fauna-molluscs and crustacea, and flora Hibiscus esculentus and vernonia amygdalina were selected
for this study. Results show that Molluscs and crustacea accumulate considerable amounts of heavy metals. Higher
levels of all the metals determined Hg, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were observed in the shells than in the fleshly tissues.
Hibiscus esculentus and vernonia amygdalina also accumulated these heavy metals. The mercury levels in the roots of
Hibiscus esculentus and vernonia amygdalina is 0.010 J.lg/g (plus-minus)0.00, while the stem 0.17(plus-minus)0.03 ug/g and leaves 0.25 (plus-minus)
0.02J.1g/g was recorded for the v, amygdalina. The H. esculenta fruit has lead levels of 0.22 (plus-minus) 0.03 J.lg/g. The levels ofCu,
Ni, and Zn are generally higher than those of Hg, Pb and Cr in all the samples analyzed. There is a growing concern
about the physiological and behavioral effects of environmental trace metals in human population. The toxicity of lead
at high levels of exposure is well known but of a major concern is the possibility that continual exposure to relatively
low levels of these heavy metals through the consumption of these fauna and flora may entail adverse health effects.
