CYPERMETHRIN EXPOSURE IMPACTS BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS AND THE METABOLISM OF LIVER ENZYMES IN AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

Background: Pesticides present in aquatic settings pose a threat to aquatic species as well as to people who rely on the ecosystem.

Objective: The effect of Cypermethrin on some biochemical parameters of the widely consumed African catfish, Clarias gariepinus was evaluated.

Methods: Healthy juvenile Clarias gariepinus (n = 60, mean, 198.42 ± 5.4g and 28 ± 1.23 cm) were procured from a farm and acclimatized for 14 days before exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Cypermethrin. The water was changed once every two days. Six fish each in groups A–E with replicates were exposed to 0.00, 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0 ml/L of toxicant, respectively, for 96 hours.  Water quality parameters were monitored. Blood was drawn from the caudal circulation, separated into plasma by centrifugation, and then the plasma's biochemistry was determined spectrophotometrically using Randox kits.

Results: The water's obtained physicochemical parameter values fell within the ranges necessary for freshwater fish viability. Group E had the highest total protein, albumin, and cholesterol values (10.40.36g/dl, 4.270.40g/dl, and 228.68mg/dl, respectively), while Group A without any toxicant had the lowest values (6.702.04g/dl, 2.001.32 g/dl, and 193.67g/dl, respectively). The experimental fish showed a dose-dependent rise in serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) with an increase in the quantity of the toxicant (P <0.05).

Conclusions: Fish with elevated transaminase levels typically have liver cells that are deteriorating or destroyed. An increase in the pesticide concentration in any body of water could cause abnormal biochemical dysfunction in the health and general condition of the fish.