Quantification of Methylmercury Concentration from Sediment Samples on Earthen Fishponds
Student: Chioma Esther Ekwukwo (Project, 2025)
Department of Microbiology
Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
Abstract
Mercury is a global pollutant and a neurotoxin that is both an environmental and public health concern. Methylmercury a derivative of mercury is a persistent environmental contaminant that poses significant risks to aquatic ecosystem and human health. The study aimed to quantify the concentration of methyl mercury in sediment samples collected from three earthing fishponds within the Niger Delta University,Bayelsa State. The determination of methyl mercury in sediments was performed using the automatic mercury analyzer RA-3000 system based on reducing vaporization with stannous chloride into an atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The methylmercury concentrations from the three earthing fishpond sites have values ranging from 0.038 to 0.041 ug/g which is below the NOAA effects Range level (ERL) guideline of 0.15. Sediment MeHg concentrations in the studied earthing fishponds are within safe environmental limits,indicating no immediate ecological threat. However, periodic monitoring is advised to detect any changes due to environmental or anthropogenic effects.
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For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: ekwukwochioma2021@gmail.com
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- Abdul-Gusau Polytechnic, Talata-Mafara, Zamfara State 3
- Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State 24
- Abia State University, Uturu, Abia State 71
- Abraham Adesanya Polytechnic, Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State 3
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi, Bauchi State 15
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- Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State 6
- Adamawa State University, Mubi, Adamawa State 8
- Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State 26
- Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State 1