Acute Toxicity of Paraquat Dichloride on Blood Plasma Indices of Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

A comparative study of the acute toxicity of paraquat dichloride on blood plasma indices of Clarias gariepinus was carried out using thirty eight (38) adult fishes of Clarias gariepinus (mean weight 166±54.13g; length 36.25±2.90cm) which were exposed to acute levels of paraquat dichloride (an organophosphate pesticide). The fishes were carefully netted to minimize stress and the area was wiped dry to avoid contamination. Blood was drawn from the heart with a 2cm3 heparnized plastic syringed fitted with 23G needle. The blood thus collected was preserved in EDTA bottles. The changes observed in haemoglobin. PCV, WBC and platelets showed a direct relationship with the exposed concentrations. Values increased with increasing concentration of the toxicant. The results clearly show profound effect of paraquat dichloride on energy metabolism, hence negative effect on blood plasma activities of Clarias gariepinus.