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ABSTRACT
A total of 32 amphibians were examined comprising of Hoplobatracus occipitalis, Ptychadena bibroni, Ptychadena mascariniensis and Ptychadena pumilio were examined in this study. An overall prevalence of 43.75% parasitic infection was recorded in the amphibians. Eight parasite species were recovered from the amphibian’s host and these include Cylindrotaenia jaegerskiveldi, Diplodiscus fischthalicus, Ascaridida larva, Aplectana sp., Camallanus dimitrovi, Cosmocerca commutate, C. ornate and Rhabdias sp. Nematodes were the dominant parasites recorded in the amphibians probably due to habitat interference and anthropogenic activities in the community. There is an indication of heavy metals contamination in the amphibian as shown with detection of five heavy metals in the organs and tissues analyzed. Lead was the most prominent metal in the organs and tissues. Cadmium was not detected in any of amphibian organs or tissues analyzed. Likewise, cobalt was not detected in thigh tissues. The concentrations of heavy metals in the various organs/tissues were: kidney, Cu>Pd>Cr>Ni>Co; liver, Pd>Cu>Cr>Ni>Co; and thigh, Cu>Pd>Cr>Ni>. The liver accumulated the highest concentration of heavy metals. The liver is the organ responsible for the detoxification or biotransformation of toxicant in the system of organisms. The results obtained from this study established the fact that amphibians are excellent bio-indicator and give insight on the prevailing health of the environment. The biological significance of this attribute is that these organisms give an early warning signal of potential harm to the environment. If these signals are checked immediately, this could prevent the risk of potential disruption of the delicate ecological balance of the ecosystem.
