Title : Effects of locusts bean (Parkia biglobosa) effluent on the histology of Heteroclarias juveniles
Abstract:
The study investigated the histopathological effects of Parkia biglobosa effluent on Heteroclarias juveniles, shedding light on the potential ecological and physiological consequences of effluent discharges from locust bean processing facilities. Physiochemical parameters of the test environment were monitored, revealing alterations in pH and dissolved oxygen levels with increasing effluent concentration and exposure duration. The mortality data corresponding to various concentrations underwent probit and logit transformations to calculate the LC50. The results indicate that the toxicity of the locust bean effluent to Heteroclarias juveniles is 100.5 mg/L. Exposure to both acute and sub-lethal concentrations led to several physiological dysfunctions in the test fish. Observations during the experiment revealed irregular swimming patterns, loss of reflexes, rapid opercular movements, and gasping for air. Histopathological examination of the gill and liver of the tested fish indicated damage, including, lesions, necrosis, and degeneration of the filament at both acute and sub-lethal levels. These findings call for careful effluent management, effluent treatment at processing facilities, regular water quality monitoring, environmental impact assessments, education programs, stricter regulations, and community engagement to ensure sustainable aquaculture practices and protect aquatic ecosystems.
Keywords: Heteroclarias, Histology, Parkia biglobosa.Toxicology
