Haematology Status Of Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Sub-Adult Exposed To Paraquat
Amachree, D
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Emmanuel, A. N
Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Environment, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, P. M. B. 5080, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Keywords: Continuous exposure, intermittent exposure, paraquat dichloride 276mg/l, C, gariepinus, static-renewal
Abstract
Herbicides usage in agricultural fields to control weeds can be toxic to non-target organisms like fish and can affect overall fish health. The haematological status of Clarias gariepinus sub-adult was investigated. A total of thirty six C. gariepinus (weight 365.51± 92.57 g and length 37.77± 2.78 cm) were randomly allocated into nine glass tanks, each tank contained four fishes (4/tank; 12/treatment). A static-renewal method and single sub-lethal dose of 552mg/l of paraquat was used in the continuous exposure and intermittent exposure, while in the control paraquat was not added. In the intermittent exposure the fishes were exposed to paraquat for two days and returned back to clean water for two days alternately while in the continuous exposure the fishes were exposed to paraquat daily. The result showed there were no significant differences (ANOVA, p>0.05) in the values of the Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb), and Mixed cells (monocytes, Basophils and Eosinophils) but there were significant increases in the White blood cell (WBC), Lymphocytes, Neutrophils (NEU) and platelets (thrombocytes). There were fluctuations in the total blood protein and sugar concentrations. In conclusion, the result of this experiment showed that paraquat (trade name: Paracot) has no negative effect on the haematological status of C. gariepinus sub-adult after 14 days in intermittent or continuous exposure.