HISTOPATHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF LIVER AND KIDNEY OF TILAPIA FISH IN A MODERATELY POLLUTED WATER (IKO RIVER ESTUARY).

The Iko River Estuary, a vital aquatic ecosystem, faces moderate pollution from anthropogenic activities, posing a threat to aquatic life. This study aimed to investigate the histopathological effects of moderate pollution on the liver and kidney of tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Iko River Estuary and the goal of identifying specific heavy metals causing alterations in the liver and kidney of tilapia fish. Tilapia fish samples were collected from the Iko River Estuary and transported to the laboratory for histopathological analysis, and key heavy metals causing alternation of lesions in the tilapia tissue. The liver and kidney tissues were fixed, processed, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E).Prepared slides were examined under a light microscope at magnifications of 40×40 \times40× and 100×100 \times100× to identify histopathological alterations such as vacuolation, necrosis, tubular degeneration, and glomerular atrophy. Water quality parameters such as pH, Dissolve oxygen, salinity and Temperature was measured using pH meter, Dissolve oxygen meter, Refractometer and Thermometer. Heavy metal concentration in both liver and kidney such as lead (pb), cupper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) was analysed using Atomic absorbtion spectrometer (AAS) model AA320n. And it was observed that in the kidney concentration of lead (Pd) is high and low in the liver, leading to a severe alteration of lesion known as GLOMERULAR ATROPHY. It was also observed that in the liver concentration of copper (Cu) is high and low in the kidney leading to a severe alteration of lesion known as HEPATOCELLULAR VACUOLATION. And in the kidney concentration of cadmium (Cd) was moderate and mild in the liver, causing a moderate alternation of lesion known as TUBULAR NECROSIS. The histopathological changes observed in the liver and kidney tissues of tilapia fish indicate that moderate pollution in the Iko River Estuary poses a significant risk to the health of aquatic organisms. Regular monitoring and conservation efforts are necessary to protect the aquatic ecosystem and prevent potential human health risks associated with consumption of contaminated fish. Further studies are recommended to investigate the specific pollutants responsible for the observed histopathological changes and to develop strategies for mitigating the effects of pollution on aquatic life in the Iko River Estuary.