Bioaccumulation of Some Heavy Metals and Histopathological Alterations in Liver of Oreochromis niloticus in Relation to Water Quality at Different Localities along the River Nile, Egypt

Abstract

lead in liver of collected O. niloticus fish from the above stations were determined. In addition, the same liver samples were examined histopathologically. Results showed that trace metals accumulations in fish liver at area under investigation were detected in following descending order: Fe> Cu> Zn> Mn> Pb> Cd. Histological study indicated that the liver of O. niloticus living in the studied stations showed several pathological alterations including: degeneration, fatty degeneration, necrosis and edema. Also congestion, branching (anastimosis), hemorrhage, hemolysis, hemosidrin and parasitic forms were seen in blood vessels. It was noticed that the liver of fish collected from Shoubra El-Khema, El-Hawamdia, El-Rahawy drain and El-Menia showed much more damages than that collected from the other stations as these sites receives more drainage water loaded with industrial and sewage wastes than the other stations. It was concluded that the discharge of different types of wastes, especially heavy metals deteriorated the water quality in the River Nile and consequently affecting fauna and fish production and human health. It is recommended to treat the different wastes before discharging to the River Nile Stream. Key words: River Nile % Heavy metals % Liver % Oreochromis niloticus % Histopathology INTRODUCTION The River Nile at El-Rahway drain receives all sewage The River Nile is the principal fresh water resource domestic wastes of El-Rahway village and discharged