Changes in Haematological Parameters of Clarias gariepinus Exposed to Century Plant (Agave americana) Leaf Dust

Abstract

The effect of sub-lethal concentrations (0.1250, 0.0625, 0.0313, 0.0156, 0.0078 mg/L and Control) of A. americana leaf dust on haematological parameters of C. gariepinus was investigated, using static renewable bioassay system for 28-day period. There was significant difference (p<0.05) in the monitored physico-chemical parameters (hydrogen ion concentration (pH), total alkalinity, dissolved oxygen (DO) and free carbon (iv) oxide (CO2)), however, temperature was not significantly different (p>0.05) in aquaria with A. americana compared to the Control. The packed cell volume, red blood cell counts, haemoglobin, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration were significantly depleted (p<0.05) whilst, white blood cell counts significant increased (p<0.05) as the concentration of A. americana leaf dust increased. The implication of these findings revealed that the leaf dust of A. americana have negative effects on the test fish which may help explain the decline in wild fishery resources, especially, in areas where the plant is used for obnoxious fishing practices.