Haematological and Histopathological Responses of Catfish Clarias gariepinus Juvenile to Coconut Water Cocos nucifera

Abstract

The toxicity of Coconut water Cocos nucifera L. (Arecaceae) water was determined on the Juvenile Catfish Clarias gariepinus. The 20, 24, 36, 48, 72 and 96LC50 of Coconut water to juvenile catfish were 750mg/l, 650mg/l, 550mg/l, 450mg/l, 350mg/l, and 250mg/l. While the total mortality occurred at a concentration of 750mg/l within 24hours exposure period respectively. Haematological examination showed an increase in blood cell count, and Platelet while there was a decrease in Haematocrit, MCV, MCH, LYMH, HMB, RBC in higher concentration of 750mg/l throughout the test in juvenile catfish Clarias gariepinus. There was a decrease in moisture, ether extract, nitrogen free extract and energy, from 73.78 ±10.73, 3.76 ± 0.34, 0.50 ± 0.08 in the control to 68.13 ±0.38, 3.17 ± 0.09, 0.37 ± 0.06 and 1.39 ±1.41, in higher concentration of 750mg/l, also there was an increase in Ash and Protein, from 0.6 ± 0.54 and 27.01 ±0.42mg/l in the control to 0.84 ± 0.14 and 26.28 ± 0.92mg/l in the concentration of 350mg/l. In the plasma electrolyte of catfish juvenile to coconut water, there was an increase in sodium from 1.06± 4.83 in the control to 74.54 ±26.09 in the concentration of 750mg/l, while in potassium; there was a decrease from 40.54 ± 3.43 in the control to 24.14 ±10.34 in higher concentration of 750mg/l. The result of histopathological responses of skin, gill and liver of the test organisms to coconut water showed different level of degeneration of cells, hypertrophy of gill arch, disarrangement of hepatic cell, necrosis, vacuolation, sign of trauma the gill, detachment of lamella, vessels congested with blood vessels, liver hypoxia, degeneration of the upper dermis and severe thinning of the underlying granular layer. Damages became severs with increase in concentration of aqueous extract and time exposure. The result of the tests provided the baseline information and established safe limits of using coconut water in fresh water fish farm.