ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the helminth parasites infections and as well as assess the heavy metals (Cobalt, Cadmium and Nickel) concentration in anurans from Ikpe Community, Ikpoba-Okha LGA Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 21 amphibians from three families were examined. The overall prevalence and mean intensity recorded in the amphibians were 80.95% and 16.59 parasites/infected hosts, respectively. The parasites recovered included three cestodes, six nematode taxa and an unidentified nematode. Among the anurans examined, Sclerophrys maculate harboured the highest number of parasites. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (ASS) by buck scientific was used for the determination of heavy metals. The sequence of metal accumulation in all the organs was Nickel>Cobalt>Cadmium. The highest accumulation of metal was found in the kidney and liver. The detection of heavy metals in the organs of the amphibians in this study shows the presence of heavy metals in Ikpe Community. The heavy metal accumulation in the amphibians was moderate and the thigh was the least contaminated.