Gross Anatomical Based Whole Effluent Chronic Toxicity Testing of Noodles Processing Company Waste, Using Clariasgariepinus as a biomarker.

Industrial effluents discharged into aquatic environments pose significant ecological and biological threats, particularly to aquatic species like Clariasgariepinus. This study investigates the chronic toxicity of effluents from a noodles food industry on selected environmental bio-indicator fish, Clariasgariepinus, focusing on the gross anatomical features of growth, survival, and condition factor (CF).The following known aquatic contaminants from food industries were selected as the effluent target chemical (TC) of concern: cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Effluent samples were analyzed for chemical constituents, and their effects on fish were assessed under varying concentrations (6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%).Results revealed that most effluent parameters, such as Cu, Cr and Ni, were within NESREA and USEPA limits, while Cu levels (0.037 mg/L) exceeded permissible thresholds, high-lighting significant contamination concerns. Survival rates and growth indices, including relative growth rate (RGR) and specific growth rate (SGR), declined markedly at higher effluent concentrations, with only 20% survival recorded at 100% effluent exposure.The findings highlight the toxicity and ecological risks posed by cadmium-contaminated effluents, emphasizing the need for improved effluent treatment and stricter regulatory enforcement. This study underscores the critical need for sustainable industrial practices to protect aquatic ecosystems and ensure biodiversity conservation