Studies on atrazine induced changes in some cat fish: Aspects of female African catfish (Clarias gariepinus)

Abstract

In this paper, The atrazine herbicide in adult female Clarias gariepinus was estimated as 13.75 mg/l Atrazine toxicity was estimated through the acute and chronic exposures of female C. gariepinus for 4 days and 6 weeks, respectively. Fish stayed motionless at a certain location in mid-water level for prolonged periods. The effect of Atrazine exposure on the blood picture showed a significant decrease in erythrocyte and leukocyte counts, haemoglobin content and blood indices, while the haematocrit value increased. The results indicated that the Atrazine herbicide caused alterations on behavioral, haematological and biochemical parameters of C. gariepinus. Therefore, strict precautions should be followed during Atrazine application to avoid polluting the aquatic environment and consequently protect fish against its toxic effect.