Toxicological Evaluation of Some Commercial Paints in African Catfish (ClariasGariepinus)

Abstract

Commercial paints sold in Nigerian markets contain Lead which is hazardous to the health of humans and the environment. These toxic heavy metal, Lead in paints eventually find their way into the aquatic environment disrupting the ecosystem and causing harm to aquatic biota. The aim of this study was to determine and assess the biological effects of two Lead contaminated paints on the African catfish (Clariasgariepinus). Acute toxicity followed by chronic toxicity was carried out to investigate the effect of the Lead contaminated paints on lipid peroxidation, Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Aspatate Transaminase (AST), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP), protein and glucose in the exposed Clariasgariepinus. Lead level was also determined in the paints and tissue of the exposed fish. Results show that the coloured paints have higher Lead content than white paints, with FC orange paint having 97.88ppm level of Lead which was the highest. Acute toxicity experiment showed that the 96 hour LC50 value was 16.16mg/l for orange and 22.28mg/l for white, both of FC paint; yellow and white color of V paint has 17.16mg/l and 29.14mg/l respectively. FC paint (Orange) was most toxic. There was significant differences in the concentrations of ALP, AST, ALT, glucose, and protein between the exposed and control fishes. There was no significant difference in the levels of lipid peroxidation observed in the exposed and control fishes. Results show varying concentrations of Lead in the gills and skin of fishesexposed to Leadwhile control fish recorded no Lead level. Measures should therefore be taken to regulate the Lead content in commercial paints locally manufactured, the Lead content in the paint released into the environment is bio-accumulated in fishes as shown in this study which has health implications when consumed by humans.