Haematology and biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus from rivers benue and donga as biomarkers of environmental pollution

Abstract

The study sought to assess the haematological and biochemical alteration in Clarias gariepinus as environmental contamination biomarkers in rivers Benue and Donga. water samples were taken for physiochemical examination while fish blood was obtained for haematological and biochemical analysis using a Haemacytometer. When compared to the reference standard there was a substantial (P>0.05) difference in the RBC of the C. gariepinus in both rivers, but no difference in the WBC, HB, PCV, MCV and MCHC. However, there were no statistically significant (P0.05) difference in the ALT, ALP, AST and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in either river. The ALT, ALP and glucose levels of C. gariepinus in both rivers differed from the reference standard. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nitrate levels were higher in Benue river than in the Donga River, but ammonia levels were higher in the Donga river. As a result of these finding, it is possible that Benue river is more polluted than the Donga river, and the C. gariepinus in Donga river is healthier than those in the Benue river. Hence, adequate water management and pollution control should be implemented to halt the flow of the Benue river.