Ensuring Safe Consumption-Comprehensive Health and Safety Analysis of Fish Grown in Algae-Based Wastewater Systems

The global demand for fish is on the rise; consequently, there is a need for sustainable aquaculture practices to address environmental degradation, resource depletion and increased operational costs. In this study, the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings were used: one group received CO₂-enriched algae cultivated with diesel exhaust (experimental), while the other was provided with standard fish feed (control). Length and weight were systematically observed in a controlled environment (25°C, pH 7.0), post-experiment analyses of haematological, biochemical, and heavy metal parameters were conducted utilizing spectrophotometry, auto-analyzers, and histological evaluations. Fishes from the experimental group showed improved growth rates, decreased mortality, and enhanced immune responses to the algae-rich composition of nutrients. Proximate and phytochemical analyses showed nutritional advantages in favor of algae-fed fish, explaining higher protein and lower fat content. The potential benefits presented by algae were countered by histological signs of immune response and tissue damage seen in the experimental fish. This study concluded that algae-based wastewater systems offer a bright promise for sustainable aquaculture, yet their potential applications rely upon optimized cultivation procedures and strict operational rules to assure environmental integrity and safety of human health.Future research should optimize algae development by examining species-specific growth trends, nutrient enrichment strategies, and CO₂ absorption efficiency from diesel exhaust.