Growth performance and biochemical responses of <i>C. Gariepinus</i> juveniles to sub-lethal concentration of dichlorvos ameliorated with <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf

Abstract

The extensive use of Dichlorvos in controlling pests raised great concerns about their environmental hazards to aquatic organisms. Effect of sub-lethal concentration of Dichlorvos on growth performance and biochemical response in Clarias gariepinus (0.175 mg/L) was investigated. Juveniles (19±0.5 g) of the fish were exposed to a static renewal bioassay of Dichlorvos and fed varying concentrations (0%, 5% and 10%) of Moringa oleifera leaf. After the exposure period, fish were sacrificed to collect blood, gill and liver for biochemical assay. Activities of biochemical and antioxidant enzymes in the tissues of fish fed diet with 5 % M. oleifera were significantly (P<0.05) lower compared to those fed diet with 10 % M. oleifera. The glucose and protein levels in the blood showed a significant (P<0.05) reduction in fish fed on 5 % M. oleifera compared to those fed on 10 % M. oleifera. The specific growth rate of the fish decreased significantly (P<0.05) as the concentration of M. oleifera increased. This indicates that 5 % substitution rate of M. oleifera leaf in diet is capable of ameliorating the toxicity effect of Dichlorvos in C. gariepinus juveniles.

Keywords: Toxicity, agrochemical, conservation, pollution, amelioration