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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- Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State 1
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State 1
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- Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State 2
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- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 43
- Michael Otedola Col of Primary Educ. Epe, Lagos (affl To University of Ibadan) 8
- Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State 15