International Journal of Geography and Geology 2306-9872 2305-7041 International Journal of Geography and Geology Trace Metal Distribution in Surface Water, Sediment, and Tissues of Freshwater Catfish (Clarias. Gariepinus), From Oke- Afa Canal, Lagos Nigeria International Journal of Geography and Geology International Journal of Geography and Geology 10-2012 2012 10-2012 10-2012 1 1 10 22 30 Nov 30 Nov <div>This paper discusses concentrations of 7 essential trace metals (chromium,cadmium, copper, lead,nickel, manganese and zinc) in water, sediment and freshwater fish (Clarias. gariepinus) tissues from Oke-Afa Canal, Lagos Nigeria The sampling and analysis of the samples from Oke Afa canal were carried out between the month of June-October, 2011 and experimental procedures used followed the description of American Public Health Association (APHA) The results showed that Liver concentrated highest level of zinc, copper and lead (6.851±0.005 mg/Kg, 1.876±0.001mg/Kg and 0.143±0.001mg/Kg respectively). This was followed by sediments with mean values of (nickel = 0.400±0.001mg/Kg, chromium-=0.127±0.003mg/Kg, mn =0.092±0.001mg/Kg and cadmium= 0.076±0.003mg/Kg). Surface water equally concentrated some metals such as Manganese, cadmium and lead with mean values of 0.069±0.101Mg/L, 0.043±0.011Mg/L, 0.039±0.016Mg/L respectively.</div><div>The order of bioaccumulation in sediment are Zn >Cu>Ni>Cr>Pb>Mn>Cd while the order of bioaccumulation in liver was Zn>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>Mn>Cr Also the order of concentration in surface water was Mn>Zn>Cd>Pb>Ni>Cu>Cr</div><div>Metal concentration in the fish tissues (flesh, bones gills and guts) was low in concentration, but the values were still significant at 95 percent confidence limit (P< 0.05) with the exception of Manganese. This suggest that the water quality of Oke Afa canal system is adversely affected and impaired by the discharge of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Comparison of these values with FAO/WHO limits in fish tissue showed that it is safe to consume the fish species from Oke -Afa canal for now but may be unsafe due to possible bioaccumulation of the metals in the organs of man since humans are at the top of food chain.</div>