Haematological Studies of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Exposed to Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)

Abstract

The haematological parameters (HB, RBC and WBC) of 120 fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus exposed to sublethal concentration of diethyl phthalate (30µg/l, 40µg/l, 60µg/l and 80µg/l) in a static renewal bioassay system for 30days were studied. The haemoglobin concentration decreased and was evident in group D from 4.96±.978 to 8.66±1.064, showing possible microcytic anaemia and 4.92±1.474 to 4.422±.449 (control). The erythrocyte count decreased from 2.714±.598 to 2.268±.3269 in the control group and increased in group C (60µg/l) from 1.944±.2018 to 2.36±6103 and then decreased to 2.152±.501. The leucocyte count increased from 1.332±10196.42 (control) to 2.455±4848.17 at (60µg/l) 2.582±30 18.608 (30µg/l), 2.64±3675.595 ( 40µg/l) and highest at group D treated with 80µg/l at 2.866±3214.498 when compared to the control. The haematological parameters showed no significant difference (P≤0.05) in the fish treated with diethyl phthalate, but significant was established in day 15 (P≥0.05) only for the total white blood cell count. 

Key Words: Clarias gariepinus, Diethyl phthalate, Leucocytosis, Erythropoiesis, Haemoglobin