Impact of contaminated water on African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and its effects on albino rat liver

Abstract

Effect of consuming Clarias gariepinus cultivated in water contaminated with (10 g/ml) respectively of
phthalate, benzene and cyclohexane on the liver of rats was done. Serum concentrations of bilirubin,
globulin and albumin were determined. Standard enzyme assays were conducted for selected liver
enzymes followed by histological examination of liver section. Serum albumin and globulin
concentrations were found to be significantly lower in rats fed with contaminated C. gariepinus than
control (p < 0.05). Generally, activity of enzymes in the liver of experimental rats was found to be
significantly lower than that of control (p < 0.05). Particularly, activities of alkaline phosphatase, acid
phosphatase, alanine and aspartate transaminases in the liver of rats fed with C. gariepinus cultivated
in phthalate contaminated water were found to be 9.1 ± 1.7, 113.8 ± 6, 13.4 ± 0.9 and 20.4 ± 0.9
nmol/min/mg protein respectively while those of control were 16.8 ± 2.2, 177.9 ± 5, 16.4 ± 1.3 and 23.7 ±
1.2 nmol/min/mg protein. Serum concentrations of direct and total bilirubin of rats fed with C. gariepinus
cultivated in benzene contaminated water were found to be 3.52 ± 0.05 and 9.24 ± 0.50 mg/dl
respectively while those of control were found to be 1.06 ± 0.02 and 4.93 ± 0.20 mg/dl respectively.
Histological examination of section revealed distorted cellular arrangement in the liver section of rats
fed with contaminated fish relative to control. Experimental evidences from this study suggest
hepatotoxicity which may predispose to tissue failure. Increasing cases of liver problem in Nigeria may
not be unconnected, inta alia, with consumption of fish from contaminated water.