CADMIUM CONCENTRATIONS IN WATER AND FISH (SCHIIBE URANOSCOPUS) ORGANS

ABSTRACT

Contamination of water by heavy metals has gained attention worldwide due to the adverse effects of these metals on environment and human health. Cadmium is one of the most toxic heavy metals, while also having no biological function. This study was conducted to assess the cadmium content of water and fish organs, and the histopathological alterationsin selected fish tissues from Ikpoba and Ogba rivers. Samples of water and fish (Schiibe uranoscopus) were collected from November 2021 to January 2022 and analyzed via standard methods. The results obtained from the study showed that cadmium concentrations in water in December for both rivers (0.007 - 0.0083mg/l) were above permissible limits and indicated a potential health threat. Cadmium concentration in the fish tissue were seen to be below the permissible limit when compared with WHO standards. However, histopathological alterations in fish were observed for gonads (necrosis), livers (steatosis and necrosis) and gills (necrosis). These findings suggest that toxicity may have been induced in the fish which could be as a result of the presence of heavy metals in the water. It is therefore recommended that routine assessment should be carried out to maintain the water quality in order to ensure the safety of aquatic animals and humans.