IMPACTS OF HEAVY METALS AND HYDROCARBON CONTAMINANTS ON THE CONDITION FACTOR OF CLARIAS GARIEPINUS (BURCHELL, 1822) FROM QUA IBOE RIVER, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA.

The impacts of contaminants on the condition factor of Clariasgariepinus was studied. Fish samples were collected from fishermen and transported to the laboratory for THC and heavy metals analysis. The mean total length, weight and condition factor were 393.72 ? 118.28 cm, 393.72 ? 118.28 g and 0.65 ? 0.15 respectively. The mean heavy metals were 0.78 ? 0.57 mg/kg (Zn), 0.28 ? 0.20 mg/kg (Cd), 0.35 ? 0.21 mg/kg (Cr), 0.04 ? 0.03 mg/kg (Pb), 0.7 ? 0.37 mg/kg (Ni) and 2.82 ? 0.98 mg/kg (THC). The fish muscles had a decreasing heavy metals trend of Zn> Ni> Cr> Cd>Pb. The mean Cr and Ni in the muscles of the fish were above WHO and GESAMP acceptable limits, and were unsafe for consumption. Principal components analysis revealed that Cr, Cd, THC, Ni, Zi and Pb contaminants were introduced from the intense activities within the river, and had negative influence on the condition factor of the fish. In conclusion, Cr, Pb, total length varied significantly (p<0.05), while Zn, Cd, Ni, THC, weight and condition factor varied insignificantly (p>0.05) between stations. Increased levels of the studied contaminants were also recorded in the highly perturbated stations. Due to the negative influence of the contaminants on the fish condition factor, we recommend that Government enforce against indiscriminate discharge of anthropogenic substances into the river, in order to ensure a healthy condition of our fishery resources, ensure sustainability of these resources.