Effect of N- 3, 4-Dichlorophenyl -N, N-Dimethylurea (Diuron) Herbicide to Serum Biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus

Assessing the effect of Diuron herbicide on post juvenile African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using specific biochemical markers could provide vital information concerning the health status with regards to electrolyte determination. The fishes were subjected to different concentrations of diuron of (0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, and 1.5mgL-1 respectively) for 96hrs and the alterations in the serum enzymes, metabolites and ion level were determined. The lethal concentration (LC50) value of the herbicide was 1.0mg L-1 for 96h of exposure. During the experiment different behavioural changes were observed and recorded and blood samples were collected after 96hours of experiment to check for the effect of fish exposed to different concentration of diuron herbicide and the parameters observed were serum enzymes (ALT, ALP, AST and LDH). Biochemical examination was also carried out to know the changes in Total protein, glucose and cortisol level. Ion level examination was carried out to assess changes in sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-). It was observed that there were significant differences (P˂0.05) in the serum enzymes analysis, biochemical examination and ion level examination and these parameters revealed differences with varying concentrations of diuron herbicide. Thus, diuron possesses toxicity effects on C. gariepinus Keywords: Herbicide, Clarias gariepinus, serum enzymes