EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL RUNOFF FROM IKPOBA RIVER ON THE GONAD AND ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN SNAIL (Bulinus africanus)

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of urban runoff on the reproductive health and antioxidant enzyme activity in the freshwater snail Bulinus africanus from the Ikpoba River in Nigeria. Samples of water and sediment were collected and tested for heavy metal content, while snails were gathered for histopathology and testing of antioxidant enzyme activities.  The analysis of water and sediment samples indicated no significant changes in heavy metal concentrations. However, significant variations were observed in the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb in the muscles and gonads of the snails, The antioxidant enzyme activities, including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), exhibited notable fluctuations, with the highest increase detected in the activity of reduced glutathione (Red GSH). Histological examination of the snail gonads revealed basophilic hyperchromatic cellularity of germinal vesicles, as well as demarcated membranes with reduced cellularity of germinal vesicles and yolk granules. These findings suggest a high risk of reproductive anomalies in snails from the Ikpoba River, potentially impacting the broader ecosystem. This study underscores the need for monitoring and mitigating urban runoff to protect aquatic life and ecosystem health.