Prevalence of Gastro-intestinal Parasites, Proximate and Heavy Metal Analysis of Lutjanus campechanus, Mugil cephalus and Callinectes amnicola from New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria

Aim: Edible aquatic organisms are a major source of protein among several individuals in Nigeria; therefore, a study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites, proximate and heavy metal analysis of Lutjanus campechanus, Mugil cephalus and Callinectes amnicola from New Calabar River, Rivers State, Nigeria. Study Design: A cross-sectional randomized study from July to December 2024. Methodology: One hundred and eighty (180) randomly selected aquatic organisms (60 species of each sampled organism) were used for this study. Standard laboratory techniques were used to analyse each sample and all data generated were analysed statistically using student T test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey’s HDS post hoc test as well as all statistical results were considered significant at P<0.05. Results: An overall parasite prevalence of 36 (20.0%) was recorded in this study (P<0.05); parasite prevalence values of 25.0%, 18.3% and 16.7% were recorded for Lutjanus, Mugil and Callinectes respectively. A total of 61 parasites were isolated belonging to protozoa (Hexamita 16.4%), trematode (Dactylogyrus 9.8%), cestode (Diphyllobothrium 3.3%) and nematode (Procamallanus 70.5%). Lutjanus had the highest percentage for ash (1.44%), lipid (0.13%), fibre (15.37%) and carbohydrate (7.34%) while Mugil had the highest percentage for moisture content (71.28%) and protein (15.94%). Nickel, lead, chromium, cadmium and zinc values were below the WHO permissible limits. Conclusion: Despite the absence of zoonotic parasites, good nutritional composition and low heavy metal concentrations, proper cooking and regular monitoring of edible aquatic organisms are essential for promoting public health and environmental sustainability.