Authors : L.L.C. Ugwu , B.O. Mgbenka , B.S. Valdon and C.D. Nwani
Abstract: Studies were carried out to assess the proximate compositions of male and female Juveniles (JVs) and Yearlings (YRLs) of Heterobranchus bidorsalis exposed to graded concentrations (1.00-8.00 mL L 1) of Bonny-Light Crude Oil (BLCO). The experiment was monitored at 4 days (toxicity) and 42 days (recovery) periods. Significant decreases (p< 0.05) in the Crude Protein (CP) Ether Extract (EE) Ash (AS) and Dry Matter (DM) contents of both the JVs and YRLs were BLCO concentration dependent. Significant increases (p< 0.01) in the Nitrogen-Free-Extract (NFE) in the sex and age groups also depended on the concentrations of the oil pollutant. The lower CP, EE, AS and DM values of the male JVs and YRLs than those of their female counterparts implies that the crude oil compounds depleted these nutrients faster than in the males. This result is consistent with the reports of other workers who indicated that petroleum-related Aromatic Compounds (ACs) impacted harmful effects on fish species. These ACs might have caused higher decreases in the tissue triglyceride of the total lipid content (EE) of the male JVs and YRLs than those of their female counterparts. Significant increase in the NFE of the fish tissues might also have impacted high energy demand on the fish as a positive survival strategy against the crude oil stress.
L.L.C. Ugwu , B.O. Mgbenka , B.S. Valdon and C.D. Nwani , 2007. Factors on Proximate Composition of Juveniles and Yearlings of Heterobranhcus bidorsalis Exposed to Graded Concentrations of Bonny-Light Crude Oil. Journal of Fisheries International, 2: 234-241.