Physiological response of Periophthalmus papillio as biomarker of aquatic ecosystem pollution.

Abstract

The physiological and biochemical responses of a benthophagous organism-Periophthalmus papillio (mudskipper fish) to refinery effluent pollution was monitored and· used as a biomarker of environmental stress. The liver weight of the fish from effluent polluted site was significantly higher (95% confidence limit) than those from unpolluted site. General statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in haemoglobin level, white blood cell count (WBC) and Packed cell volume (PCV) of the fish from polluted and unpolluted sites. The activity of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in fish from effluent polluted Okrika river differed significantly (95%) from those obtained from the unpolluted Elechi creek. Similarly, there was a significantly higher activity (95%) of phenol degrading enzymes in the liver extracts of fish from effluent polluted sites compared to those from unpolluted sites. The elevated levels of these biochemical indices in the fish from refinery effluent polluted Okrika river suggests that constant discharges of the effluent into the aquatic environment have significant adverse effects on the aquatic biota.

Key Words: Periophthalmus papillio, Biomarker, Pollution, Refinery Effluent, Aquatic Ecosystem.