Evaluation of the Toxicity of Three Hair Shampoos on the Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>) Fingerlings

Abstract

The toxicity of three brands of hair shampoos (Vinoz, Gentelle and Petals) containing linear alkylbenzene sulphonates and used mostly for hair conditioning in beauty shops by woman in Nigeria were evaluated on fingerlings of the African catfish, <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> (mean weight=6.42 ± 0.2g; length=4.03 ± 0.1 cm). Specimens were exposed to 0.50%, 0.25%, 0.125%, 0.0625%, 0.03125% and 0.00% (control) toxicant concentrations during a 96-hours static bioassay. Mortality increased with concentrations and varied with brand of shampoo used; with the 0.50% toxicant concentration and Vinoz shampoo showing highest toxicity. LC<SUB>50</SUB> for Vinoz, Gentelle and Petals were 0.0195%, 0.0281% and 0.0281% (arithmetic method), 0.9058%, 0.8873% and 0.8710% (logarithmic method) and 0.0172%, 0.0281% and 0.0177% (probit method) respectively. Survivorship of <i>C. gariepinus</i> was significantly homogeneous with Vinoz [F<SUB>(1.56)</SUB><F<SUB>crit(4.13)</SUB>], heterogeneous with Gentelle [F<SUB>(4.31)</SUB>>F<SUB>crit(4.13)</SUB>] and heterogeneous with Petals shampoos [F<SUB>(5.57)</SUB>>F<SUB>crit(4.13)</SUB>] at P<0.05. The numbers of survivors in the 0.125 and 0.03125% toxicant concentrations differed significantly with those in the control (Sig. t=0.001 & 0.002 with Vinoz and =0.002 & 0.003 with Gentelle, respectively) at the 95% confidence limit. Very low mean lethal concentrations of the xenobiotics exerted high toxicities on the aquatic biota. Regulatory agencies should enforce strict laws for the protection of the national aquatic biotopes for sustainability.