Fin and shellfish species inhabiting a polluted environment are exposed to heavy metal contaminations. The Lagos Lagoon is a polluted aquatic habitat that receives a huge amount of untreated industrial and municipal effluents from Lagos city and adjoining rivers. The aim of this study is to determine the dynamics, concentration and bioaccumulation potential of four heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu and Cr) in four economic important fin and shellfish species (Sardinella maderensis (SM), Pseudotholithus elongatus (PE), and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus (CN) and shrimp (Peaenus monodon (PM)) from three sampling stations: Apapa, Makoko and Ibeshe). The metal concentrations in different sampling stations in this study differed significantly in the order of Zn>Cr>Pb>Cu, Cr>Cu>Zn>Pb and Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb at Apapa, Makoko and Ibeshe respectively. The study also demonstrates that Zn and Pb were the most and least accumulated metals, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations in fish muscles were high and above recommended standard for aquatic life. Generally, the distribution of metal concentrations in species is as follows P. monodon>C. nigrodigitatus>P. elongatus>S. maderensis. Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending on fish species and highest concentrations were found P. monodon followed by C. nigrodigitatus. This suggests that PM and CN accumulated more metals than other species and which can be related to their feeding habits. This study shows that essential metals such has zinc and chromium have a higher accumulation potential in fish and shrimp in this habitat. This reflects the role these metals play in promoting immune and adaptive mechanisms against environmental pollution.

fin and shellfish, species, heavy metal concentrations, Lagos Lagoon