Despite the degradation and threat of ubiquitous contaminants, such as heavy metals, in Warri River, Southern Nigeria, little is known about the ecological effects of such pollution using pro-oxidant variables. This study investigated oxidative stress responses to heavy metals (lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu)) burden in the heart, kidney, liver and gills of African catfish inhabiting Warri River. Fish (N=30) were collected during August-September, 2018 from two contaminated sites along the course of Warri River and a fish farm which was considered a reference site. The concentrations of Pb, Cd and Ni in the two contaminated sites were above the WHO permissible limits and significantly higher (pNi>Cu>Pb>Cd; site 2-Pb>Cu>Cd>Mn>Ni and site 3-Ni>Mn>Cu>Cd and Pb respectively. The activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly higher (p
Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, Biomarkers, Contaminants, Freshwater body, Oxidative stress
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