Authors : Nasilele Phiri; Danny Musenge

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2v2y3bzb

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr2352

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Abstract : Heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems is a growing concern because of its long-term effects on aquatic organisms and human health, particularly in regions influenced by agriculture, aquaculture and mining and industrial activities such as those surrounding Lake Kariba. This study investigated the concentrations and spatial distribution of Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Arsenic (As), and Zinc (Zn) in water and selected fish species; Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia), Serranochromis thumbergi (Largemouth Bream), and Limnothrissa miodon (Kapenta) from lake Kariba. The results were compared with World Health Organization (WHO) and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) thresholds to determine compliance with international safety standards. A total of twelve water samples and thirty fish samples were collected from four sampling sites. Analyses were conducted using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) with quality assurance ensured through certified reference materials and replicate measurements. Water quality parameters pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity were also measured to provide context for metal bioavailability. All analyzed heavy metals in fish and water were below the permissible limits. Zinc was the only metal detected in the fish samples with concentrations ranging from 11.99 ppm to 19.57ppm, well below recommended permissible limit. The study demonstrates that heavy metal contamination in the sampled areas of Lake Kariba is minimal. These findings provide a scientific baseline for environment monitoring in Lake Kariba, supporting sustainable fisheries management, public health protection and policy interventions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 6 and 14.

Keywords : Lake Kariba; Heavy Metals; Fish Contamination; Atomic Absorbtion Spectroscopy; Zinc

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