Effect of Clarias gariepinus cultured in contaminated water on rats.

In this study, African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were cultured in water contaminated with phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane (10 microg/mL), respectively, over a period of 65 days. They were, thereafter, used as protein source to formulate feed for albino rats (Wistar strain) for 28 days. The weights of the body and selected tissues of the rats were monitored and standard enzyme assays were conducted for some enzymes in the serum.

To what extent will contaminated water affect physical, haematological and lipid properties of Clariasgariepinus?

Some haematological and physical properties of Clarias gariepinus cultivated in water contaminated with phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane over a period of 56 days were examined. The haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) concentrations of test animals were found to be significantly lower than those of control (p<0.05).