Assessment of Glyphosate Roundup Turbo (450 g/l) on Haemato-biochemical Indices of Freshwater African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) Fingerlings

The escalating use of glyphosate-based herbicides in agricultural practices has sparked concerns regarding their potential ecological impact. This study undertakes a comprehensive investigation into the acute ecotoxicological effects of a brand-new glyphosate (Roundup Turbo 450 g/l) on haematology and biochemical indices of Clarias gariepinus a commercially vital fish species in Nigeria. Fish were exposed to 0.0 as control, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.2 mg/l glyphosate for 96 hours in the laboratory. Water quality parameters monitored were temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen electrical conductivity, nitrate and nitrite. The blood, liver and gills were extracted and analyzed. Haematological and biochemical analyses revealed significant changes (P < 0.05) as concentration increases. The decrease in red blood cell, pack cell volume, haemaglobin and white blood cell was indicative of glyphosate-induced hematotoxicity. Biochemical analyses disclosed alterations in enzymatic activities within liver and gill tissues, including significant increase in alanine aminotransaminases, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, suggesting hepatic and branchial dysfunction and decrease in total protein, globulin and albumin, showing enhanced disruption in protein synthesis. Glucose and albumin in liver were not detected. Behavioral observations indicated the fish heightened stress response, characterized by erratic swimming patterns, increased agitation, equilibrium loss, hyperactivity and skin erosion. The 96-hour LC50 value for this study was 2.50 mg/l and it highlights glyphosate roundup turbo’s potential to exert detrimental effects on Clarias gariepinus populations. These findings underscore the imperative for sustainable agricultural practices, judicious pesticide management, and rigorous environmental monitoring to mitigate the ecological risks associated with glyphosate use.