Effects of Simulated-Leachate on the Redox Status of Cellular System of Clarias gariepinus

Abstract

Different pollutants, including leachates have been reported to affect physiological and morphological properties. In the present study, leachate was simulated from municipal open dumps and was used to contaminated water at various concentration (0, 5, 10, 15, 20) %v/v. Clarias gariepinus were exposed to the various concentrations of simulated-leachate and were designated groups A, B, C, D and E respectively. Fish in group A is control as they were not exposed to simulated-leachate. Reduced glutathione (GSH) malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were assayed in selected tissues. The concentration of GSH was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the liver, kidney and gills of fish exposed to varying concentrations of simulated-leachate (5, 10, 15, 20) %v/v) compared to the control. MDA concentration of tissues of fish exposed to simulated-leachate was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the control fish. Activities of CAT and SOD of tissues of fish exposed to simulated- leachate increased as the exposure concentration increased. These results show that simulated-leachate exposure resulted in oxidative damage in fish and suggest the role of free radicals in its mechanism of toxicity. The resultsalso revealed that the gill is a redox-sensitive tissue like the kidney and liver.