Growth and Haematological Properties of Rats Fed with Clarias gariepinus Cultivated in Contaminated Water

This study examines the potential threats posed by contaminated African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) by evaluating the biochemical and physiological changes in various tissues, especially the blood, of consumers. African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) were cultured in water contaminated with phthalate, benzene, and cyclohexane (10μg/ml) respectively over a period of 65 days. They were thereafter used as protein source to formulate feed for albino rats. The body weight, haematological properties, and serum lipid profile of the experimental rats were determined. It was observed that body weight gain of rats fed C. gariepinus cultivated in contaminated water was significantly higher than that of controls (p < 0.05). Abnormal haematological properties (Hb, PCV, RBC, WBC, etc.) were observed among rats fed C. gariepinus cultivated in contaminated water relative to controls. The concentrations of Hb, PCV, and RBC (6.40 ± 0.50, 34.00 ± 3.00, and 4.22 ± 0.52 in that order) of the benzene group of rats in particular, were found to be significantly lower than those of controls (13.70 ± 0.90, 45.00 ± 3.00, and 8.78 ± 1.22) (p < 0.05). Generally, concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) in the serum of test rats were found to be significantly higher than those of controls (p < 0.05), while serum high density lipoprotein (HDL) was found to be significantly lower than that of controls (p < 0.05). It follows from this study that consumption of C. gariepinus cultivated in contaminated water may have adverse effects, as presented by data on haematology, and there could be a tendency towards increase in risk of cardiovascular diseases.