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ABSTRACT
In recent years, there have been considerable environmental health concerns over the potential of certain chemicals found in the environment to disrupt normal endocrine functions in wildlife. In particular, the apparent widespread feminization of male fish via the induction of vitellogenin (Vtg) has attracted significant research effort all over the world. However, very little is known about the presence of endocrine disrupting chemical (EDCs), and their effects in Nigeria aquatic environment. This study was therefore carried out to assess the reproductive endocrine disruptive effects of EDCs on male C. gariepinus in Ikpoba River, Benin City, Nigeria.A total of 44 (30 males and 14 females) sexually mature C. gariepinus were sampled from the study stations for a period of four months (June – September, 2019), and fish samples were grouped into four based on time of collection. Blood samples were collected, and analysed for plasma Vtg level using the sandwiched Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The result showed significant induction of plasma Vtg in male C. gariepinus. Plasma Vtg (μg/ml) level in males ranged from 18.03 to 24.20 (sample 1), 16.33 to 29.80 (sample 2), 18.47 to 20.13 (sample 3) and 15.24 to 15.68 (sample 4). Whereas in females, plasma Vtg level ranged from 15.30 to 19.83 throughout the study period, and was not significantly higher than the level observed in the males. This study clearly demonstrates the presence of estrogenic chemicals in Ikpoba River, and their implication in the induction of Vtg observed in male C. gariepinus.
