Histopathological effects and micronucleus assay of glyphosate-based herbicides on cultured african catfish (Clarias Gariepinus, Burchell 1822)

Glyphosate, a brand of agricultural herbicides which intensive use has led to widespread contamination of different ecosystems. This study was designed to determine both organotoxicity and genotoxicity of glyphosate on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) exposed to different concentrations for 96 hours. Questionnaires were administered (physically and online) to determine the type of glyphosate-based herbicides mostly used by fish farmers. Seventy-five apparently healthy adult Clarias gariepinus (300g) were sourced from a local farmer, transported in a plastic keg to Fish and Wildlife Laboratory at the Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive medicine for two (2) weeks of acclimatization. After acclimatization, they were further divided into four (4) groups (T0 (Control), T1 (0.003ml/L), T2 (0.0045ml/L) and T3 (0.006ml/L)) by simple randomization and each group replicated into three (3) treatments. At the expiration of 96 hours of exposure, blood samples and organs (Gills, Kidney, and Liver) were collected for mononuclear assay and histopathological lesions respectively. Exposed groups showed erratic swimming, splashing, and restlessness. Mortalities rate was dose-dependent (two (2) mortalities at 0.0045ml/L concentration (T2) and five (5) mortalities 0.006ml/L concentration (T3)). Observed histopathological lesions occurred at higher dose treatment (0.0045ml/L (T2) and (0.006ml/L) T3)) concentrations. The gills showed diffuse stunted and eroded secondary lamellae and severe congestion of the blood channel at the core of the primary lamellae. Lesions in the Liver include severe diffuse vacuolation of the hepatocytes, moderate to severe portal congestion and mild diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes and moderate diffuse vacuolation of hepatocytes, and severe portal congestion. In the kidney, there was mild to moderate congestion of the interstitium and focus of interstitial oedema within the parenchyma. There was presence of micronucleus in the fish nucleated red blood cells at higher dose concentrations. This study showed that Glyphosate-based herbicides are highly toxic to Clarias gariepinus, therefore their use near the fish farm or in areas close to the aquatic environment should be discouraged. The agricultural community should also be conscious of the potentially adverse effects of pesticides. This is to prevent the water body from the residue of herbicides that would have washed down to the water.