Title: Consequences of anthropogenic pollutants on the quality of nutrients in African catfish (Clarias gariepinus, Burchell, 1822) from Qua Iboe River, South-eastern Nigeria

Authors: Sarah Nkereuwem Ekanem; Akaninyene Paul Joseph; Eno Brownson Iwok

Addresses: Department of Science Technology, School of Applied Sciences, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic Ikot Osurua, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria ' Department of Biosciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo City, Ondo State, Nigeria ' Department of Zoology and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115 Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract: The impact of anthropogenic pollutants on the nutritional quality of Clarias gariepinus was studied. Samples of C. gariepinus were obtained from fishermen on landing. The collected fish samples were analysed for proximate composition, total petroleum content, and heavy metals levels. Increased levels of the contaminants were recorded in the intense activity stations compared to the control station (UAC beach). Metals and nutritional composition of fish varied between stations. The mean Cr and Ni in fish were above WHO acceptable limits for food, while moisture content was not within FAO acceptable limits. Cluster analysis and PCA plots revealed that Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, and THC levels in the fish were introduced from intense anthropogenic activities within the study area, thereby influencing its ash and lipid content. We recommend that the government enforce against indiscriminate discharge of anthropogenic substances into the river, so as to restore the environment back to normal.

Keywords: consequences; total hydrocarbon content; THC; heavy metals; anthropogenic; pollutants; nutrients; quality; Clarias gariepinus; proximate composition; Qua Iboe River; South-eastern Nigeria.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2024.139242

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2024 Vol.34 No.2, pp.170 - 186

Accepted: 19 Jan 2022
Published online: 28 Jun 2024 *

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