Effects of Mixtures of Paraquat and NPK (15:15:15) Fertilizer on the Serum Biochemistry of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles

Abstract

The use of different agrochemicals in agriculture to boost productivity is a common practice in Nigeria. These agrochemicals find their way into aquatic environments and cause deleterious effects on aquatic organisms and subsequently on humans, who are at the top of the food chain.  These effects were observed in the changes in serum biochemical parameters of African Catfish Clarias gariepinus following exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of mixtures of agrochemicals (paraquat and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizers) in this study. Sublethal amounts of paraquat and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer were administered to test animals in three treatment groups. Treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 received concentrations of 0.25, 0.75 and 1.25 mg/L corresponding to 10, 30 and 50% of the LC₅₀ value which was recorded at 2.5mg/L. Results of Alanine amino transferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Creatinine (CRT), and Urea (U) showed an increase and deviation from the normal control values at p<0.05. It can be stated that the combination of agrochemicals used in this study induced stress in the fish and consequently resulted in the impairment of both liver and kidney functions. The higher levels of serum biochemical values are a clear indication of fish stress.