Accumulation of metals and histopathology in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to treated NNPC Kaduna (Nigeria) petroleum refinery effluent

Journal Article · Sun Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0147-6513(90)90061-9· OSTI ID:6748076

Onwumere, B G; Oladimeji, A A ^[1]

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1. Ahmadu Bello Univ., Zaria (Nigeria)

Accumulation of heavy metals and histopathology were observed in Oreochromis niloticus exposed to treated petroleum refinery effluent from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Kaduna. Analysis of fish metal burden showed that the fish concentrated trace metals a thousand times above the levels existing in the exposure medium. Some metals were preferentially accumulated more than others and the accumulation was, in decreasing order, Pb, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Ni, and Cd. Whole fish metal burden was lower in fish from which the gill, liver, and kidney had been removed, suggesting that these organs accumulated the metals more than other tissues. Hemorrhaging of fins was observed in all treatment concentrations except that of the control, and fish exposed to 40 and 50% effluent were most affected. Erosion of the caudal fin was also observed in fish exposed to 40 and 50% effluent. Examination of the organs for histopathology revealed damages to the gills. Gills with edematous fused lamellae congested with blood were observed. No histopathological damage was observed in the liver and kidney. The extent of metal accumulation and histopathological damage were directly related to the effluent concentrations.

• OSTI ID: 6748076
• Journal Information: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety; (USA), Vol. 19:2, Issue 2; ISSN 0147-6513
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
CADMIUM
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
CHROMIUM
COPPER
FISHES
CONTAMINATION
IRON
LEAD
MANGANESE
NICKEL
ZINC
BODY BURDEN
CHEMICAL EFFLUENTS
GILLS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
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KIDNEYS
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TRACE AMOUNTS
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AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BODY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
ELEMENTS
GLANDS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
MATERIALS
METALS
ORGANS
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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VERTEBRATES
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560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology