Evaluation of biochemical parameters of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentration of cypermethrin

Abstract

Cypermethrin has being seen to be a contaminant of freshwater and marine ecosystem. Therefore, a study was designed to determine the sublethal effects of cypermethrin on freshwater fish, Clarias gariepinus. The fish was treated with 0.01 mg/L, 0.05 mg/L and 0.1 mg/L cypermethrin dissolved in distilled water. Fish were killed by cold narcosis on an ice block and dissected to obtain liver and muscle samples; 10% homogenates in an ice-cold saline were prepared. Liver aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver and muscle acid phosphatase (ACP) were measured. There was a significant increase in liver and muscle ACP in cypermethrin treated catfish compared to the control. Liver AST level significantly increased at all concentrations for experimental duration (P<0.05) compared to the control. These alterations in enzyme activity may have long-term effects on organisms (fish) that are continuously exposed to
low doses of cypermethrin in an aquatic ecosystem.