Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Portland Cement Powder in Solution on Nitrogenous Waste Products of the African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822))

Abstract

The effect of sublethal concentrations (39.10, 19.55, 9.78 mg/L) of Portland cement powder in solution (PCPS) was investigated on nitrogenous waste products in the serum, liver and kidney of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)). The levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine and direct bilirubin in the serum, liver and kidney were significantly different in the exposed fish after a 15-day exposure period. The level of urea increased in serum (p < 0.05), kidney (p < 0.05) and liver (p < 0.01); uric acid decreased in serum and kidney (p < 0.05), but increased in liver (p < 0.05). Creatinine decreased in serum (p < 0.05), liver and kidney (p < 0.01); direct bilirubin increased in serum (p < 0.05), but decreased in liver and kidney (p < 0.05). Thus, this investigation has revealed that sublethal concentrations of PCPS have a deleterious effect on the basic function of the serum, liver and kidney of Clarias gariepinus.