HAEMATOLOGICAL, HISTOPATHOLOGICAL AND GROWTH CONDITIONS OF AFRICAN CATFISH (Clarias gariepinus) JUVENILES EXPOSED TO SUB-LETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF CHROMIUM
Keywords:
Chromium, Haematology, Histopathology, Clarias gariepinusAbstract
This study examined the effects of sub-lethal chromium (Cr) exposure on haematological parameters, pathology and growth performance of juvenile Clarias gariepinus. Based on the LC50 value of 29.6 mmg/L, four hundred juveniles were exposed to Chromium concentrations of 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, 1.50 and 2.00 mg/L for 28 days, while maintaining water quality within optimal ranges. Haematological assessments revealed significant, dose-dependent reductions in packed cell volume, haemoglobin and white blood cells. At 2.00 mg/L, packed cell volume decreased from 36.00% in the control group to 17.50% (51.39% reduction), while haemoglobin decreased from 15.00 g/dL to 5.00 g/dL, representing a 66.67% decrease. White blood cell counts dropped by 66.67%, from 13.50 × 103/?L to 4.50 × 103/?L. Growth performance was adversely affected, with mean weight gain reducing from 15 g in the control group to 9 g at 1.50 mg/L chromium concentration, and specific growth rate decreasing from 2.73% to 1.84%. The percentage weight gain dropped from 115.09% in the control to 67.30% at the highest Chromium concentration. Histopathological examination revealed concentration-dependent damage to the gill, liver and muscle tissues. Observed lesions included epithelial lifting, lamellar fusion in the gills, hepatocellular vacuolation in the liver, and myofiber disorganization in muscle tissues, with the severity of these lesions increasing with higher Chromium concentrations. Thus, sub-lethal chromium exposure induced significant haematological disruptions, tissue damage, and reduced growth in Clarias gariepinus, with potential implications for ecosystem health and human consumption safety.
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