Haematological and Histological Assessment of Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Exposed to Crude Extract of Albizia Chevalier Sawdust

Abstract

The toxicity of Albizia chevalier sawdust extract was investigated with emphasis on histopathological and haematological effects on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles. A static bioassay was conducted to determine the LC₅₀ of Albizia chevalier sawdust extract to Clarias gariepinus juveniles. The fish were exposed to 55, 63.1, 67.6, and 73.9mI/L of Albizia chevalier sawdust extract. The result of the acute toxicity showed that the extract was toxic to the fish with an LC₅₀ value of 54.42mI/L. The pH, DO and temperature values of the water in the different concentrations differed significantly from the control (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, the haematological assessment revealed that values of the blood parameters (WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, PCV, LYM, MxM, NEUT and PLT) of fish in the different concentrations were significantly different from the control (p<0.05). Histopathological examinations of the gills and liver of Clarias gariepinus juvenile exposed to Albizia chevalier sawdust extract in the control showed normal gill and liver architecture. However, there were varying degrees of degenerative changes in the gills and liver of fish in different concentrations of the Albizia chevalier sawdust extract. The results of the study revealed that crude extract Albizia chevalier is toxic to fish organs and causes histopathological changes in the gills and liver and cause stress to the fish. Therefore indiscriminate discharge of sawdust by sawmills into the environment should be discouraged particularly into water bodies.