چكيده لاتين :
Elevatedlevelsof heavymetalsin the catfish Synodontis clarias can be a goodindication of pollution
ofan aquaticecosystem due to anthropogenic influence. The concentrations ofZn, Cd, Pb,Mn and Ni were determined
in Synodontis clarias caught along a section of Taylor Creek and its associated tributaries. Samples were collected
bimonthlybetween July 1999 and June 2000 in five stations. The metals: Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Mn were recorded in
appreciable quantities, signifying their bioavailability. The levels of Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb and Mn may have obvious health
implications on the rural communities that depend on fish speciesas fish supplementin view of its rich protein content
and its bio-economic value. Generally, the sources of the metals in the catfish appear to be point and diffuse which
include rural and agricultural runoff sources in the catchmentsarea. However, the presence of an oil industryactivity
(Etelebou oil field and flow station) in one of its tributaries appears to be the major point source of the metal
pollutants.
