BIOMARKERS IN CLARIAS GARIEPINUS EXPOSED TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION BY HEAVY METALS

Abstract

In this work we studied the effect of heavy metals pollution on the African catfish, (Clarias gariepinus) collected from three different sites in the Nile River(El- Qanatir El Khayriyah) (Reference site), El- Rayah El- Tawfeky (Industrial polluted site) and a canal in Moshtahr village (Agricultural polluted site) during Spring and Summer. We studied the effect of five heavy metals which are cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) on the biochemical profile and antioxidant status of C. gariepinus. As well as, also we studied the histopathological alterations of fish livers. The result of the study summarized as follows: Water quality analysis showed that water temperature decreased significantly during spring in the water samples collected from Moshtahr and El- Rayah El- Tawfeky compared to the reference site. As well as, temperature decreased significantly during summer in water samples collected from Moshtahr site. While, the statistical investigation reported that water temperature increased significantly during summer in the water samples collected from El- Rayah El- Tawfeky site compared to the reference site. The water alkalinity, Salinity, total hardness, pH, and ammonia were increased significantly in water samples collected from both polluted sites during spring and summer.