Effect of atrazine exposure on behavioral, haematological and biochemical aspects of female African catfish (Clarias gariepinus).

Abstract

The half lethal concentration (LC50) /96h of atrazine herbicide in adult female Clarias gariepinus was estimated as 13.75 mg/l Atrazine toxicity was estimated through the acute and chronic exposures of female C. gariepinus to 1/2 LC50 and 1/10 LC50 for 4 days and 6 weeks, respectively. The effects of both acute and chronic exposures revealed clinical abnormalities which were manifested by loss of appetite, sluggish or restlessness swimming, rapid opercular movements and abnormal skin pigmentation in the form of faded skin. Fish stayed motionless at a certain location in mid-water level for prolonged periods. The effect of Atrazine exposure on the blood picture showed a significant decrease in both erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, haemoglobin content and blood indices, while the haematocrit value increased. A significant increase in serum glucose level was recorded. Furthermore, Atrazine exposures were associated with a marked decrease in serum total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations with a marked increase in A/G ratio. The results indicated that the Atrazine herbicide caused alterations on behavioral, haematological and biochemical parameters of C. gariepinus. Therefore, strict precautions should be followed during Atrazine application to avoid polluting the aquatic environment and consequently protect fish against its toxic effect.