Water quality and physiological stress biomarkers in selected fish species from Benue Cement Dam, Gboko, Nigeria

Athanasius Aende; Orfega Benjamin Kwaghvihi; Edward Terhemen Akange

doi:10.3153/AR26004

EN

Water quality and physiological stress biomarkers in selected fish species from Benue Cement Dam, Gboko, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed surface water quality using NESREA (2011) standards and fish functional responses in Benue Cement Dam, Gboko, Nigeria. Water temperature (26.08–29.08 °C) and pH (6.17–7.62) were within permissible limits, whereas total hardness, alkalinity, chloride, and ammonia nitrogen were above guideline values. Haematological parameters showed significant alterations, including high haemoglobin concentrations and notably increased white blood cell counts across fish species and seasons, indicating physiological stress. Substantial increases in enzyme activities (ALP, AST) and oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GR, MDA, GPx; p < 0.05–0.001) further confirmed oxidative imbalance and effect on fish health. The findings suggest that damming and various industrial activities in the area have reduced water quality and induced stress in inhabiting fish populations. Haematological and oxidative biomarkers as practical tools for aquatic ecosystem monitoring have indicated the need for stricter pollution control and sustained biomonitoring efforts.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

This study did not involve experimental procedures on live animals. Fish samples were obtained from routine artisanal catches, and ethical approval was therefore not required.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Aquaculture and Fisheries (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Athanasius Aende ^*
0009-0007-2540-6401
Nigeria

Orfega Benjamin Kwaghvihi
0000-0002-9844-4456
Nigeria

Edward Terhemen Akange
0009-0008-9347-8121
Nigeria

Early Pub Date

January 15, 2026

Publication Date

January 15, 2026

Submission Date

September 11, 2025

Acceptance Date

January 5, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 9 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.3153/AR26004

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA55YL69CY

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Aende, A., Kwaghvihi, O. B., & Akange, E. T. (2026). Water quality and physiological stress biomarkers in selected fish species from Benue Cement Dam, Gboko, Nigeria. Aquatic Research, 9(1), 27-38. https://doi.org/10.3153/AR26004

Öz

Water quality and physiological stress biomarkers in selected fish species from Benue Cement Dam, Gboko, Nigeria

Abstract

Keywords

Ethical Statement

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Early Pub Date

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite