Scholars Bulletin (SB)
Volume-4 | Issue-01 | Sch. Bull.; 2018, 4(1): 19-38
Subject Category: Anatomy
Histological Based Biomonitoring: A Baseline Ecotoxicological Evaluation of Ekerekana and Okochiri Creeks Using Sarotherodon Melanotheron
Allison, Theodore Athanasius, Paul, Chikwuogwo wokpeogu
Published : Jan. 30, 2018
Abstract
Abstract: The aim of this study was to ascertain the pollution status of Ekerekana (EKE) and Okochiri rivers channels in Okirika Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. These creeks and river channels are receptacle to waste water effluent of Port Harcourt Refining Company situated at Eleme in Rivers State. Chemical and bio-monitoring was done. This involved the assessment of Condition Factor, Health Assessment Index and Histological assessment of target organs in qualitative and semi- quantitative (SQHA) scenario. Fish harvested from the experimental site (OKO) were compared with Fish harvested from a control site – African Regional Aqua-Culture Centre (ARAC). Results showed that the Environmental Water Quality Index for EKE (9.0) and OKO (35.9) were both poor with abnormal levels of temperature, conductivity, pH, Dissolved Oxygen (DO) at EKE and conductivity, salinity and Cd at OKO. Gross Anatomical Assessment showed that CF for OKO (1.9) was greater than ARAC (1,8), HAI for OKO (83.6) was greater than ARAC (18). QHA showed higher % prevalence in histological alteration in Gills, liver and Kidney of fish from OKO than ARAC. Histological alterations were consistent with toxicological study of exposure to similar substances. SQHA showed that OKO (30.3) had a higher fish index value than ARAC (7.7). Indicating that fish from OKO had pronounced alterations of organ tissue (class 4 = index value 26-35), while ARAC had slight histological alterations (class 1 = index value <10). It was concluded that EKE and OKO creeks and river channels were polluted and aquatic lives were seriously under threat.