Sublethal effect of sniper 1000EC on biochemical parameters of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (Burchell, 1882) under laboratory conditions

Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain the effect of sub- lethal concentrations of 2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (Sniper 1000EC) on biochemical parameters of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) under laboratory conditions. Experimental fish were exposed to test water separately diluted with sub lethal concentrations of sniper 1000EC (0, 0.27, 0.31, 0.41and 0.55mg/L). Water quality parameters and physiological parameters were monitored according to standard procedures. The monitored water quality parameters such as temperature, free carbon (iv) oxide, pH and dissolved oxygen significantly decreased while total alkalinity and conductivity increased significantly in the exposed media compared to the control test. A 28 day exposure to sub lethal concentrations of the toxicant resulted in changes in biochemical parameters of the fish on the exposure days (1, 14 and 28). Biochemical parameters such as total protein, albumin, globulin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) decreased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the toxicant. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP) increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the toxicant. This study showed that sniper 1000EC has adverse effect on activities of liver enzymes and decreased protein concentrations, as indicator of possible liver damage. It is recommended that the use of Sniper 1000EC by local fishermen be banned to save aquatic ecosystem.