Hematological Changes of the African Catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Juveniles Induced by Diuron

Aim: To study the changes in haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of diuron at different sub-lethal levels on Clarias gariepinus juvenile.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Animal Science and Fisheries Management laboratory, Bowen University, lwo, Osun State, between October 2010 to April 2011.

Methodology: The acute and chronic toxicity of various concentrations of Diuron on C. gariepinus juveniles was evaluated. Blood samples were taken after 14 and 28 days for the haematological and plasma biochemical analysis respectively.

Results: 96hr LC50 value of a working dilution of Diuron (0.03g/l) was obtained. The highest value of PCV and Hb was obtained in fish exposed to 1/10LC50 Diuron. At higher concentration (1/2LC50), significant decreases were observed in total protein and albumin. Fish exposed to a working dilution of 1/10LC50 (0.003g/l) in this study showed no significant difference to the control.

Conclusion: Diuron, a substituted urea, could be toxic at high concentration; therefore, further studies are required to evaluate the potential environmental risk of Diuron.