The Effect of Spent Lubricant Oil on Hematological parameters of Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Abstract

Juveniles of Clariasgariepinusof mixed sexes with mean weight (42± 1.5g) and mean length (29.6± 3.8cm) were obtained from a private farm in Opolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria and was transported under cool conditions in plastic basins containing aerated tap water, to the Biological Science laboratory of the Niger Delta university Amassoma, Bayelsa. Fishes were acclimatizes for 2 days (48hrs) in four plastic basins containing aerated tap water. The water was changed daily to prevent the built-up of metabolic wastes and aerated to increase oxygen supply using an aquaria aerator. Mortality during acclimation did not exceed 3% of the fish population hence the fish were certified good for use. Fish were then exposed to 1ml, 2ml and 3ml (0.05, 0.10 and 0.15ml/l) of spent lubricant oil in 20litres of borehole water in aquaria tanks for 48 hours. Each tank concentration and control had three fish and three replicate tanks. A total of 12 tanks were used. Blood samples were collected through cardiac puncture technique with physical restrain. Blood analysis was conducted at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state forHaemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), Red Blood Count (RBC), White blood count (WBC), Platelet Count (PLT). Data was subjected to statistical analysis for means, standard deviation and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Duncan multiple range test was used to separate means at 95% confidence limit. Result indicate there were significant differences in Hb, WBC, RBC, PLT and PCV between control and treatment levels (P<0.05). PLT levels were significantly higher in treatment levels than control, suggestive of blood clotting disorder, like thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytosis may occur in primary myeloproliferative conditions or as a secondary (reactive) phenomenon in a variety of physiologic and pathologic states. It can be concluded that spent oil has a marked negative effect on fish and therefore calls for restrain in its disposal into the environment.