Heavy Metal Bioaccumulation and Metal Induced Pathologies in the Mangrove Oyster, <i>Crassostrea</i><i> </i><i>tulipa</i>, Adanson (1757), from a Shipyard in Ojo Lago

This study investigates the concentrations of six metals in oyster specimens collected from a novel location in Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. The analysis focused on six priority heavy metals: Arsenic (As, Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and, Mercury (Hg). Heavy metal concentrations in specimens showed low to moderate variability and, generally exceeded statutory acceptable limits on comparison. A health risk assessment was done to evaluate consumption risk for development of non-cancer conditions with sustained ingestion. This study also reports histopathological findings from the harvested oyster tissues, revealing significant alterations in the digestive gland structure. Notably, atrophy, coagulative necrosis of basal cell epithelium, and, haemocyte infiltration. The lesions suggest potential adverse effects of heavy metal accumulation on oyster health. The potential implications of heavy metal accumulation for organismal. ecosystem and, consumer health are discussed.