Behavioral, Biometric and Oxidative Stress-Induced Alterations in Clarias gariepinus Juveniles Exposed to Chlorpyrifos

Chlorpyrifos is an organophosphate pesticide used to kill wide range of pest including insect and worms. The present study investigates the behavioral, biometric and oxidative stress alterations in Clarias gariepinus juveniles exposed to chlorpyrifos. The 96 h LC50 values of the pesticide estimated by probit analysis was 4.67 mg/L while the toxic unit was 21.41 indicating that the pesticide is very toxic. Fish were exposed to chlorpyrifos sublethal concentrations of 0.43 mg/L and 0.93 mg/L and the behavioral, biometric and oxidative stress parameters were determined on day 1, 5, 10, and 15. The results indicate changes in the behavior and hepatosomatic indices in C. gariepinus at different chlorpyrifos concentrations and time. There were concentration and duration dependent increase in lipid peroxidation, protein and glucose but mixed trends in catalase values. The use of chlopyrifos in the environment especially near aquatic ecosystem should be strictly monitored to avoid the hazards associated with its application.