Effect of lead acetate on liver of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Adult catfishes (Clarias gariepinus). were exposed to sublethal concentrations of lead acetate (10 and 30 mg/l) for ten days. The protein content and carbohydrate levels were assessed along with histo-pathological examinations of liver tissues. The results showed significant dose-dependent decrease in hepatic biomolecules, indicating metabolic impairment. Microscopic analysis revealed progressive liver damage with increasing lead concentrations, including vacuolar degeneration, sinusoidal dilation, nuclear pyknosis, necrosis, and melano-macrophage centers. These findings demonstrated hepatotoxic potential of lead acetate on C. gariepinus.