CHANGES IN SOME METABOLITES IN THE PLASMA OF Clarias gariepinus EXPOSED TO ATRAZINE

Abstract

Atrazine, a commonly used herbicide, has been implicated in adverse effects on aquatic organisms. This study aimed to investigate the changes in specific metabolites in the plasma of Clarias gariepinus exposed to atrazine. A total of 150 juvenile fish were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatment levels and a control, each with three replicates. The results indicated a significant reduction (p<0.05) in the values of dissolved oxygen from 6.67±0.25 in the control to 4.03±0.88 at 0.20mg/l concentration of the chemical. Also, significant (p<0.05) increase with increasing concentrations of the chemical were however recorded in the values of nitrites and ammonia.  While other parameters such as temperature and pH were within the same range comparable to the control in all concentrations of the chemical. At zero hour (before the commencement of the experiment) the values of all the metabolites (Urea, Creatinine, Total bilurubin, Albumin and Total protein) in the plasma of the exposed C. gariepinus were within the same range with no significant differences in all concentrations. At 24 hours of exposure, slight reductions were observed in the values Total bilurubin, creatinine and Total protein, while the values of urea were slightly elevated. However, the values of albumin were within the same range with no significant difference (p>0.05) in all concentrations. At 48. 72, and 96 hours of exposure of C.gariepinus to varying concentrations of Atrazine, there was significant reduction (p<0.05)   in the values of Total bilurubin, creatinine, albumin and total protein. While the values of Urea increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing concentrations of the chemical. The findings of this study highlight disruptions in amino acid metabolism, lipid homeostasis, carbohydrate metabolism, and oxidative stress response. This study contributes to a better understanding of the metabolic consequences of atrazine exposure on aquatic organisms. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential long-term effects on fish health and ecosystem integrity, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in herbicide management and environmental conservation.