Acute Toxicity of Aqueous Extract of the Root of <i>Telfairia occidentalis</i> on <i>Clarias gariepinus</i> Fingerlings

Agwu Ekenma Julia; Odo Greg Ejikeme; Uwagbae Micheal; Onuawueke Cynthia Chioma

doi:7060277

Telfairia ocidentalis is a tropical vine whose leaf and seed are consumed as vegetable for their high nutritional content. This study investigated the acute toxicity of aqueous extract of the root of Telfairia occidentalis on fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus. T. occidentalis induced different behavioural responses on C. gariepinus fingerlings such as erratic swimming, loss of balance and discolouration. The overall LC₅₀ of the aqueous extract was estimated at 95% confidence limit as 32.401mg/L toxicant concentration. The percentage mortality of C. garienpinus subjected to various concentrations of T. occidentalis root extract was time and concentration dependent. However, 100% mortality was observed in the group of fingerlings exposed to the highest concentration of 75 mg/L at the end of 72 hours when compared to other concentrations (25 mg/L, 50 mg/L). Haematological parameters (HB, PCV, RBC, and WBC) carried out showed that haemoglobinand packed cell volume levels estimated among the survived C. gariepinus did not differ significantly at (P > 0.05), whilered blood cells level decreased significantly (P< 0.05) with increased concentration. Significant increase (P<0.05) in the total white blood cells count of fingerlings treated with root of T. occidentalis was noted. Dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, temperature and water hardness values of thetreated water were within tolerable limits for fish culture.

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