Impact of Lamda-Cyhalothrin on the Biochemical Parameters of Clarias gariepinus

Background: Widespread applications of pesticides such as Lambda cyhalothrin to boost crops production have frequently led to contamination of the fresh water ecosystem in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Clarias gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin pesticide. The 96 h LC50 of lambda cyhalothrin to the fish was estimated at 3.98mgl-1. Mortality of 100% and 10% were observed in fish exposed to 12.00 mg l-1 and 1.25 mg l-1 of Lambda cyhalothrin respectively as compared to no mortality recorded in the control group. Varying degrees of abnormal behaviours like air gulping, hyperactivity, erratic movement, skin discoloration and jerky movements were observed during the 96 hrs exposure period of the fish to Lambda compared to the control. Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda cyhalothrin at 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mgl-1 and for 15 days at 5 days intervals that is 5, 10 and 15days led to changes in the biochemical parameters.

Results: In the Biochemical parameters analysed, there was significant (P<0.5) increase in the mean values of Albumin, Aspartate Amino Transfarase (AST), Alanine Amino Transaferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Creatinine compares to the control group. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the values of water quality assays in control and treated group.

Conclusion: The biomarkers measured could be useful tools for monitoring effects of other pesticides on aquatic organisms. However, further studies could be done to investigate their mode of action to strike a balance between protection of aquatic biota and discharges of these pesticides and their metabolites to aquatic environments.