TOXICITY OF AN ORGANOPHOSPHATE INSECTICIDES (RIDOFF) ON LIVER, AND KIDNEY OF JUVENILE STAGES OF AFRICAN CATFISH (CLARIAS GARIEPINUS)

Abstract

The investigation was concentrated on the toxic effect of organophosphate insecticides (ridoff) on juvenile stage of African catfish  (Clarias gariepinus). C. gariepinus were exposed to different lethal concentrations (0.3, 0.2, 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025mg/l) of organophosphate insecticides (ridoff) for four days and sub-lethal (0.0125, 0.0250, 0.0500, 0.1000 and 0.2000mg/l) concentrations for 30 days. The control group was free of organophosphate insecticides. ANOVA was used to calculate mean and standard deviation while statistical significance was assessed at 0.05 probability level using Turkey tests. Physicochemical parameters determined were pH, which ranged from 6.68 to 6.75 mg/l respectively. Dissolved oxygen levels ranged from 3.6 to 4.7 mg/l indicating reduced oxygen availability at higher Ridoff concentration. Ammonia concentration increased, ranging from 0.33 to 0.41 mg/l while Nitrate and temperature levels remained relatively stable, with slight variations at higher concentration.  The liver parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, T.P, ALB, and T.B) while kidney parameters are (Ur, Cr, K, Na, CL, and HC0₃) standard methods was used to examined both the exposed and control groups.  Results showed that AST, ALT and T.B values decreased significantly while  ALP, T.P, ALB  values increased significantly with increasing concentrations of organophosphate insecticides in liver while in kidney  Ur, Cr, CL, and Hco₃ values decreased significantly while K, Na values increased significantly with increasing concentrations of the toxicant . In conclusion the use of organophosphate insecticides adversely affects the wellbeing of C. gariepinus. We therefore recommend the discontinued use of this insecticide as it is toxic to non-target organisms including fish and man.