Physicochemical Parameters, Heavy Metal Concentrations and Wellbeing of Oreochromis niloticus (Nile Tilapia) in Hadejia River, Jigawa State, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Freshwater is one of the major natural resources used for myriad of purposes. This research was conducted to assess the presence of some pollutants in Hadejia River Jigawa State and their potential toxic effects on Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia). Materials and Methods: Water and fish samples were collected fortnightly for four months, between March and June 2022, from four designated stations. The samples were analysed for heavy metal contamination, physicochemical parameters and the haematological indices of fish blood. Results: The physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids and total suspended solids were within acceptable limits, except for turbidity which exceeded the recommended level. The haematological indices indicated lower than normal packed cell volume (PCV) and varying levels of haemoglobin (Hb). The concentrations of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) exceeded the permissible limits set by WHO/USEPA, while zinc and copper levels were below the permissible limits. Conclusion: These findings highlight the contamination present in the surface water and emphasize the urgency for implementing measures to control these pollutants.