ABSTRACT

Ikpoba river is an important coastal river for domestic purpose, fisheries and nursery grounds for fresh and coastal water fishes of commercial importance. This river plays a crucial role in sustaining the local ecosystem and supporting nearby communities. However, it faces persistent pollution issues primarily due to human activities, leading to deteriorating water quality and negative impacts on fish populations.

In this study, the Health Assessment Index (HAI) method was used to evaluate the health status of indigenous fish (Coptodon guineensis) from the Ikpoba River. Fish samples (N=17) were collected from January to February 2024. The collected fish were examined for external and internal abnormalities. Histological examination of organs such as the gills, kidney, liver, and spleen revealed various abnormalities including atrophied glomeruli, and Visible fatty change was observed in the kidney, the liver revealed congested central vein with mononuclear inflammatory cells, spleen showed mild apoptic changes and visible reactive changes, reduced cellularity of germinal vesicles and yolk grannules was observed in the Gonads and Visible fatty changes and also The secondary lamellae appeared fused and thickened  in the gills from the various stations. from the fish species

Overall, this study indicates that fish from  Ikpoba River are significantly affected by pollutants, leading to detrimental effects observed in the Coptodon guineensis population. Continuous monitoring of this water body is crucial as these fish species are a food source and may pose serious health risks if consumed regularly.