Haematological Studies of <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Fingerlings Exposed to Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

Abstract

The haematological parameters (HB, RBC and WBC) of 120 fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentration of diethyl phthalate (30µg/l, 40µg/l, 60µg/l and 80µg/l) in a static renewal bioassay system for 30days were studied. The haemoglobin concentration decreased and was evident in group D from 4.96±.978 to 8.66±1.064, showing possible microcytic anaemia and 4.92±1.474 to 4.422±.449 (control). The erythrocyte count decreased from 2.714±.598 to 2.268±.3269 in the control group and increased in group C (60µg/l) from 1.944±.2018 to 2.36±6103 and then decreased to 2.152±.501. The leucocyte count increased from 1.332±10196.42 (control) to 2.455±4848.17 at (60µg/l) 2.582±30 18.608 (30µg/l), 2.64±3675.595 ( 40µg/l) and highest at group D treated with 80µg/l at 2.866±3214.498 when compared to the control. The haematological parameters showed no significant difference (P≤0.05) in the fish treated with diethyl phthalate, but significant was established in day 15 (P≥0.05) only for the total white blood cell count. 

Key Words: Clarias gariepinus, Diethyl phthalate, Leucocytosis, Erythropoiesis, Haemoglobin