Microbial diversity, heavy metals and hydrocarbons concentration in some fish species from Qua Iboe River Estuary, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The diversity of fish gut microflora, heavy metals and hydrocarbon concentration two species (Pseudotolithus typus Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus) from Qua Iboe River Estuary was investigated. total heterotrophic bacteria fungi as well utilizing in the guts were abundant ranged 6.87 to 7.57logcfu/g, 5.68 5.80logcfu/g, 5.42 5.48 logcfu/g 2.76 3.40logcfu/g respectively. microbial counts varied among species. Proteus, Bacillus, Staphylococcus, Salmonella, Vibrio, Escherichia, Lactobacillus, Micrococcus Enterobacter different bacterial genera encountered study while Penicillium sp., Aspergillus niger., Fusarium sp. Mucor sp fungal identified. analysis showed that Zn, Cu Fe with concentrations ranging 0.51 4.20mg/kg, 3.51 4.11 1.19 2.04mg/kg respectively most higher than maximum permissible limits set by FEPA/WHO. mean PAHs BTEX 62.18±4.72 ng/g 43.67±4.06 for C. nigrodigitatus, 123.52±3.11 211.68±3.53 P. which acceptable limits. Findings this shows poor microbiological quality thus need continuous monitoring our natural waters proper processing aquatic foods present situation portends a potential concern ecological risk.