Combined Effects of Agrochemicals on the Serum Biochemistry of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles

Abstract

Changes in serum biochemical parameters in response to combined-agrochemicals exposure were studied in an indigenous African fish Clarias gariepinus. Fish in 3 groups were exposed to sublethal concentrations of a mixture of paraquat, profenofos, cypermethrin, and NPK 15:15:15 fertilizer. Treatment groups 1, 2, and 3 received concentrations at 0.002mg/L, 0.007mg/L, 0.012mg/L obtained from 1/10, 1/30, and 1/50 of the96h LC₅₀ value which was recorded at 0.024mg/L. Results of ALT showed a high deviation from control values of 75.98 u/L to treatment values of 78.19, 86.77, and 88.28 u/L after 56 days. AST values at day 56 showed a similar increase from 116.35 u/L (control value) to 154.26, 170.98 and 178.38 u/L (treatment values). Similar elevations in values of biochemical parameters at P<0.05 were seen in ALP, CRT and Urea values. The elevated activities of serum ALT and AST indicate liver damage or enhanced transamination. It can therefore be hypothesized that the different toxicants used in this study induced stress in the fish, this is consequently related to the disruption of organ function. This study indicates that biochemical parameters in fish blood can be used as an indicator of toxicity in water bodies.

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