ASSESSING THE MICROBIAL DYNAMICS OF DIETARY FISH SPECIES (Pseudotolithus elongatus) FROM BONNY RIVER IN RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA

Poor management of the aquatic ecosystem has resulted in gross pollution with diseases implications. Oil-degrading microorganisms can be used as biological indicator for the level of hydrocarbon pollution in contaminated sites. This study was aimed at assessing the microbial dynamics of dietary fish species (pseudolithiasis elongatus) from contaminated Bonny River in Rivers State, Nigeria. Sixty samples of pseudotolithus elongatus were collected from the Bonny River over two seasons and analyzed for microbiological parameters using serial dilution culture techniques with nutrient agar (NA), the potatoes dextrose agar (PDA), mineral salt agar (MSA) and MacConkey Broth. Total coliforms units were high (2.40E+03 ± 0) in fish body and guts, same fish organ revealed results of (8.90E+ 02 ± 1.35E + 03) for fecal coliform. Total Heterotrophic bacteria and fungi counts (1.23E+05 ± 1.53E+05, 2.28.30E+05±1.69E+05, 1.03E+04 ±1.05E+04, &9.67E+04±6.81E+03) also revealed significant contamination levels. hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria (HUB) (2.67 E+05±4.62 E+05) in fish body and hydrocarbon utilizing fungi (HUF) (5.33E+02 ±3.21E+02). Result of the present studies indicates that there could be high potential hydrocarbon related contaminants evident by the presence of HUB and HUF implying high human health risk of consumption. Results also indicates high contamination by fecal coliform, which is indicator of animal and human excreta.