Toxicity of Small Leaf Piptadeniastrum africanum (Saw-Dust Powder) To African Catfish Clarias gariepinus, Adult

Abstract

1. Abstract <span style=font-size: 10.0pt> This work determines the toxicity of the aqueous extract of Piptadeniastrum africanum saw-dust powder to Clarias gariepinus adult (mean body weight 86.01 ± 12.10g and length, 20.91 ± 2.09cm). The 96hrs LC 50 is 3.3mg/l and the maximum admissible toxicant concentrations ranges between 0.33 mg/l - 0.033 mg/l, while the total mortality occurred in the concentration of 19.8mg/l within 24hrs exposure period. Toxic reaction exhibited by the fish includes erratic movement, air gulping, loss of reflex, discolouration, molting, and haemorrhage. There were no significant changes in the water quality before, during and after the experiment, the result obtained before the test, during the test and after the test were found close to the physico -chemical parameters of the control. The haematological examination shows decrease in a number of cell counts WBC, RBC, Hb, MCV, hematocrit lymphocytes with mean values (1.61 ± 4.01, 1.23 ± 0.09, 5.13 ± 0.67, 1.40 ± 18.30, 17.80 ± 2.88 and 1.54 ± 4.80) to (1.70 ± 10.29, 1.55 ± 0.07, 6.20 ± 0.10, 1.40 ± 3.30, 21.77 ± 0.40 and 1.70 ± 1.66). There was significant decrease in MCH, MCHC and platelet with mean values (40.43 ± 2.93, 28.97 ± 1.89 and 27.67 ± 10.26) to (39.93 ± 1.00, 28.50 ± 0.10 and 10.13 ± 3.59) respectively. The above result suggests that aqueous extract of P. africanum saw-dust powder has piscicidal property and is highly toxic to C. gariepinus . Therefore, care should be taking in the use of P. africanum toxicant under fish culture conditions except for pond cleansing of unwanted aquatic fauna before stocking and fish killed with this toxicant should be totally avoided for human consumption as this can induce long term health hazard on the internal organs of the consumer. <span style=font-size: 10.0pt> 2. Keywords: Clarias gariepinus ; Haematological ; Piptadeniastrum africanum ; Toxicity; Water Quality