Impact of Urban Runoff on the Benthic and Pelagic Fish Fauna in Ikpoba River: Heavy Metal Levels and Gill Pathology
This study presents an assessment of the influence of urban runoff on fish fauna in the Ikpoba River, Nigeria,
focusing on heavy metal contamination and gill pathology in benthic (Clarias gariepinus) and pelagic (Oreochromis
niloticus) fish species. Samples of water, sediment, and fish gills were collected from June to August 2023. Heavy metals
(Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, and Cd) were analyzed via Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and gill pathology was evaluated
through histopathological examination.