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Seasonal Changes in Nutrient Composition and Biochemical Markers of Toxicity of Fish Samples from Urashi River, Nigeria
Abstract
Oil and gas prospecting generate pollutants that are toxic to aquatic organisms. Orashi/Urashi River flows along the oil prospecting sites of the Niger Delta region in Nigeria. Effects of petroleum pollution on two fish species (Oreochromis niloticus and Clarias gariepinus) from Urashi River which flows along four communities (Mmahu, Abacheke, Opuoma communities in Ohaji/Egbema L.G.A) and Anambra (Ogwuaniocha, Ogbaru L.G.A) states of Nigeria, were evaluated in both wet and dry seasons, using liver function parameters, lipid profile indices and histopathology of selected organs. Standard biochemical and histopathological procedures were employed for all the analyses. Nutrient composition of the fish samples showed that crude protein, carbohydrate, and energy values were: 21.25%, 22.27% and 186.97 Kcal respectively for wet-season C. gariepinus from Ogwuaniocha. The values were significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of all other fish samples. A marker of liver damage-Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity (35.05;123.93; and 144.33 U/L) of fish samples was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the dry season. Aspartate aminotransferase (ALT) activities of C. gariepinus (144.33U/L) and O. niloticus (123.93 U/L) were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the dry season relative to the rainy season. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and globulin concentrations did not vary significantly (p>0.05) in all the fish samples. Cholesterol, triglyceride, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), levels of O. niloticus were significantly (p>0.05) lower in the wet season. The gill, muscle and liver histology showed mild to marked lymphocyte and fibroblast infiltrations. In contrast, the gill showed diffused lamellar absence, marked necrosis, and depletion of epithelial cells lining the filaments, which were more prominent in the dry season. The toxic impact of the petroleum hydrocarbon on the fish samples were higher during the dry season. This could be due to the increased hydrocarbon concentration occasioned by reduced water volume in the dry season.
