Effect Of Cassava Mill Effluents On Haematological And Biochemical Characteristics Of Adult African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)

Abstract

The effect of cassava effluents on haematology and biochemical measurement of African cat fish was investigated.  Ninty-six adult catfish were subjected to five graded sub-lethal concentrations (0.002, 0.005, 0.008, 0.011 and 0.014mg/l) of cassava effluent and water (control) for fourteen days. A significant (p<0.05) decrease was observed in haemoglobin, red blood cells counts and packed cells volume compared with the control, these can be attributed to reduction in cellular iron resulting in decreasing oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, later results to erythropoiesis. In contrast, white blood cells counts increases significantly (p<0.05) this could be in attempt to improve the health of the fish. High levels of Asparate aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities observed are suggestive of hepatic cellular damages .  However, low level of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities is an indication of liver disease and hypoproteinea . A notable decrease in cholesterol level may also be due to damages of liver cells resulting to decease synthesis within. In conclusion, the alteration in the levels of haematological and biochemical indices of fish proved that cassava effluent contain pollutants that are toxic to the fish and can create hazard in such water bodies.

Keyword: haematology, biochemical indices, cassava effluent, sub-lethal concentrations