Histopathology and Morphometric Characters of Tilapia guineensis as Biomarker to Evaluate Level of Environmental Stress in Badagry and Ojo Creeks, Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Forty wild adult Tilapia guineensis were sourced from Ojo and Badagry creeks between January and March 2021, to investigate its morphometric character (total length, body weight, standard length, and head depth) and tissues structure (gill, muscle and small intestine) differences. Samples were collected and analysed using standard methods. The results showed no significant difference (P<0.05) between the mean total length, body weight, standard length, and head depth of Tilapia guineensis recorded from both creeks.  Length-weight relationships of T. guineensis obtained from both creeks showed negative allometry(b<3) growth pattern while its condition factor (k) value was more significant than one, which indicated that the fishes are in good condition. Muscle of T.guineensis from Ojo creek showed a severe lesion of muscle bundle, degeneration of muscular bundle and shortening of bundles.  Similarly, the gills structure of T. guineensis from Ojo creek showed severe degeneration, hyperplasia of secondary gill lamellae, and curling of secondary lamellae with unclear water channels. It is also characterized by hypertrophy of lamellae, and there is evidence of partial fusion of lamellae and dilation of gill filament. The observation of none lesion or degenerated tissues of T. guineensis in Badagry creek could suggest that Ojo creek is more subjected to effluents or other environmental stressors than Badagry creek. In conclusion, T. guineensis from Badagry creek is less affected by any environmental contaminants than T. guineensis from Ojo creek. Therefore, a collective effort towards ensuring reduction in direct discharge of untreated effluent or avoidance of another unhygienic usage of the creeks is very pertinent.