Total Hydrocarbon Concentration in the Tissues of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> of Taylor Creek, Niger Delta

Total Hydrocarbon Concentration in the tissues (gills, muscle and liver) of Clarias gariepinus was determined along the stretch of Taylor creek in Bayelsa State Niger Delta. Seven (7) sample points were selected along the stretch of the Creek and selected spilled sites. Samples were collected in monthly basis from November 2015 to October 2016 and analysed following standard procedures using Spectronic 21D Spectrophotometer. THC were in the order; liver > gills > muscle. Their concentrations ranged from 14.53 mg/kg to 21.53 mg / kg in the liver, 12.20 mg/kg 19.19 mg/kg in the gills and 8.85 mg/kg – 10.60 mg/kg in the muscle tissues of Clarias gariepinus. Statistically the values were significant (P<0.05). The results showed that Total Hydrocarbon Concentrations in the studied fauna exceeded the WHO recommended limits of 0.001μg/g for seafood. Hence, consumption of Clarias gariepinus from the Creek should be reduced to prevent adverse health effects on consumers and also anthropogenic activities along the creek and shorelines should be regulated and monitored to prevent further contamination of other aquatic species.