Impacts of Mining-Induced Pollution on Water Quality and Morphological Development of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Ankobra River Basin, Ghana

Et Al., Apraku

doi:10.21608/ejabf.2025.444164

Impacts of Mining-Induced Pollution on Water Quality and Morphological Development of the African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and the Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in the Ankobra River Basin, Ghana

Author

Apraku et al.

10.21608/ejabf.2025.444164

Abstract

Mining in Ghana’s Ankobra River basin has severely impacted aquatic ecosystems. This study examined the effects on Clarias gariepinus (African catfish) and Oreochromis niloticus (Nile tilapia) by comparing morphometric features and water quality in two tributaries: Kawre (mined) and Okyeadea (unmined). Data were collected from June to August, measuring key morphometric traits and analyzing water for physicochemical parameters, nutrients, and heavy metals.The mined Kawre stream showed high pollution, with mean Hg and As levels at 3.543 and 0.154mg/ L, compared to 0.001mg/ L in the unmined Okyeadea. Turbidity in Kawre ranged from 4,023 to 4,116 NTU, far exceeding Okyeadea’s 16.5–21.2 NTU, indicating severe sediment and contaminant influx. Fish in Kawre exhibited reduced growth in critical features for survival, such as fins and snout size, likely due to energy diverted to detoxification and stress response. The condition factor for both species between mined and unmined sampling factors was significantly different (P< 0.05). This study highlights the urgent need for stringent regulations and sustainable mining to protect aquatic ecosystems essential for biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities reliant on fishing.

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