Luke Ibanga, Joseph Ahamefula Nkwoji, Amii Usese, Ikenna Onyema, and Obinna Chukwu

DOI: 10.14456/sjst-psu.2021.41

pp. 318 - 325

Abstract

Benthic macroinvertebrates and heavy metal contamination in Uca tangeri were studied to determine anthropogenic
impact of metals on benthic fauna of the study area. Ten stations were sampled monthly along the main creek course for twenty
four months. Multivariate analysis of community composition was used to determine community structure of the
macroinvertebrates. Heavy metals concentrations in Uca tangeri were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry Agilent 7500c. The Nereid and Capitellid polychaetes contributed 35.2% to the benthic macroinvertebrates
assemblage while Uca tangeri accounted for 34.1%. The abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates were however, lower
compared to earlier studies. Copper was found to be higher than the other measured metals in Uca tangeri. Target hazard quotient
(THQ) revealed that consumers of the crab, Uca tangeri are potentially exposed to health hazard. Implication of the findings
underscores the need for regular biomonitoring of the coastal ecosystem to forestall heavy metals contamination.