Effect of the Glyphosate Herbicide uproot® on Non-functional Blood Plasma Enzymes of Juveniles of Clariasgariepinus

Alagoa K.J, Daworiye P.S, Ipiteikemuh B

The effect of the herbicide glyphosate on the plasma enzymes of Clariasgariepinus was investigated in order to gauge the possible effect of its use in the environment. Juveniles of Clariasgariepinus of mean length14.0cm ± 1.2cm and mean weight 8.0gm ± 0.3gm were procured from Ellah Lakes Obrikom, Rivers State.They were transported in plastic containers under cool condition to the Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences, Niger Delta University, Amasoma, Bayelsa State.The fish were acclimated in big plastic basins for 7 days and fed pelleted diets at an estimated 3% body weight. Mortality during acclamation did not exceed 3% of total fish population therefore the fish were certified fit for use. A range finder test was conducted prior to the definitive test. This was done to determine the suitable range of concentration for the experimental test. They were exposed to sublethal concentrations of 0.25ml/l, 0.50ml/l and 0.75ml/l. The control tank had no glyphosate. They experimental tanks were exposed for seven (7) days and blood collected from fish in each aquaria tank by cardiac puncture using physical restrain with a 21 gauge hypodermic needle and syringe. Blood samples were taken in triplicates. Blood samples were taken to the laboratory of Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa. They were analysed for Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT), Aspartic Amino Transferase (AST), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) using standard techniques. Data were analysed for mean, standard deviation and analysis of variance (ANOVA) at 95% confidence limit. Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was employed to compare means. This was done with the aid of the SPSS software. Results indicate that all the enzymes from blood plasma of fish increased with increasing concentrations of glyphosate. This is indicative of either liver, kidney or tissue damage. Therefore, the presence of glyphosate in aquatic ecosystem could be dangerous to fish and subsequently to human health. There is a need to observe restrain in its usage.