Toxic Potentials of Nittol Detergent on Haematological Parameters of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) in Nigeria

Background: The toxic effect of Nittol detergent on the haematological parameters of the African catfish (C. gariepinus) sub-adult was investigated. The experiment was conducted in triplicates forthe four treatments. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to different concentrations of Nittol detergent ranged from erratic swimming, moribund movement, jumping and lack of balance. Similar changes were not observed in the control throughout the experiment. Nittol detergent is composed of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LABS), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium carbonate, sodium sulphate, sodium per-borate and sodium silicate (perfume) as active ingredients. The fish were exposed to concentrations 1.0 g/L, 2.0 g/L, 3.0 g/L and 4.0g/L. At 1.0 g/l concentration, the mean mortality was 80% with an initial erratic swimming.

Results: It was observed that mean mortality increased drastically with increasing Nittol Detergent concentrations. At a concentration 3.0 g/L, total mortality was observed within 72 hours of exposure preceding moribund swimming while total mortality was observed at 4.0 g/L. The concentration at which 50% of the experimental fishes were killed (LC50) was 0.9 g/L. Results from statistical analysis indicated that mortality varied significantly with concentrations as higher values recorded higher mortality rates. However, mean values showed the highest mortality (74%) with Nittol detergent. Haematological results obtained from blood profile analysis showed various degrees of alterations and changes in values when compared to the control. The PCV of the exposed fish was 26% when compared to 27% in the control, HB was 8.9 (GDL) as against 9.0 Gdl of the control, total WBC was 640 x 109/L as against 1280 x 109/L of the control. The RBC reading was 4.7 compared to 5.3 (mm3) of the control. For the differential counts, the lymphocyte was 80%. Neutrophils were 4 % and monocyte 16% compared to 62%, 8% and 30% of the control respectively. The results revealed a significant decrease in PCV counts for 8.0, 16.0, 25.0, and 50.0ml/l concentration when compared to the control. There revealed significant decrease of haemoglobin count for 8.0 ml/l group (p>0.05) and significant decrease for 16.0 ml/l, 25.0 ml/l and 50.0 ml/l groups (p<0.05), when compared to the control. The results showed insignificant decrease of RBC count for 1.0 g/l (p>0.05) and a significant decrease for the 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/l groups (p<0.05), compared to the control. This means that as the toxicant concentration increased, the fish red blood count decreased the more. This further implies that at higher concentration of, RBC reduces correspondingly. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in the control set showed (apparently normal cell after) hematoxylin and eosin staining. Differential blood samples exposed to various concentrations of Nittol Detergent showed denatured cells, haemolysis and blood cell shrinkage.

Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that Nittol Detergent has significant toxic effect on the haematological parameters of C. gariepinus and recommended the control disposal of this detergent into aquatic bodies to reduce the negative impact on the blood quality of aquatic organisms.