Industrial Effluent Induced Chromosomal Aberration in Catfish from Ogun River, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of effluents at inducing chromosomal aberrations, using this as a biomarker tool in wild Clarias pachynema for assessing and monitoring pollution of the aquatic environment. A total of 60 live fish (30 each downstream and upstream) were obtained and subjected to chromosomal analysis. Chromosomal aberration in the fish samples from the downstream sector was recorded at a rate of 30%, while there were no aberrations in the samples collected upstream the effluent discharge point. Water sample analysis revealed a high concentration of Ammonia and Nitrates above permissible standards of Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) guidelines. Heavy metal analysis also revealed the presence of Cr (0.05), Cu (0.01), Pb (0.05), Zn (5.0) and Fe (0.3) above permissible standards from the downstream section of the river. This study shows clearly that the ever increasing discharge of effluents from the industry could increase chromosomal damage in the aquatic components.

Heavy Metals Level in Clarias gariepinus (Catfish), Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) and Chrysichthys nigroditatus (Bagrid catfish) collected from Ogun River, Ogun State, Nigeria

“…Therefore, the consumption of fish of various species may be a significant contributor to the consumers' intake of some contaminants. Among other species, Clarias gariepinus (Catfish), Oreochromis niloticus (Tilapia) and Chrysichthys nigroditatus (Bagrid catfish) are very common in Ogun River (Iji and Adeogun, 2014); and also, some consumers have a preference for these (Unyimadu et al, 2018a,b). Investigating these fish species for the levels of heavy metals is therefore necessary.…”