Toxic Evaluation of Graded Concentrations of Diethyl Phthalate on Serum Biochemistry of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)
Ogundiran M. Akinloye *
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Ibrahim A. Giwa
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Awolola C. Bukola
Department of Environmental Health Science, Kwara State University, P.M.B. 1530, Malete, Kwara State, Nigeria.
Balogun A. Hassan
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Awogbami O. Stephen
Department of Environmental Health, Ekiti State College of Health Science and Technology, P. M. B. 316, Ijero Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.
Olanipekun A. Stephen
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Kehinde B. David
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Iyiola, O. Lateefat
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Ojeyinka, I. Mary
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
Kolawole, B. Josephine
Department of Pure and Applied Biology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, P.M.B. 4000, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP), widely used as plasticizer, detergent base, and in cosmetic products, is a recognized contaminant of aquatic ecosystems and its indiscriminate utilization calls for serious concern. This study therefore aimed at evaluating the toxicological impact of DEP on Clarias gariepinus using standard laboratory protocols. Juvenile C. gariepinus were exposed to chronic 0.76, 1.07, 1.25, 1.38, and 1.47 µL/L for 45 days. The result revealed varied behavioral impairments, including erratic swimming, hyperactivity, and loss of equilibrium, across all exposure groups. DEP exposure induced dose-dependent reductions (p < 0.05) in serum total proteins, primarily via decreased globulin levels, while albumin remained stable. Hepatic biomarkers revealed marked hepatocellular injury, with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity more than the control, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) showing a moderate increase and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) displaying no significant changes. Renal function was likewise impaired, evidenced by over 120% elevation in serum creatinine and approximately 30% rise in urea at the highest exposure. DEP also disrupted the plasma electrolyte profile, causing a significant, concentration-dependent increases in sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels, indicative of osmoregulatory and acid-base imbalances, while chloride remained unchanged. Our study revealed that DEP exposure may prove fatal to freshwater organisms, such as C. gariepinus. The observed alterations in behavior and biochemistry characteristics of C. gariepinus exposed fish can be linked to the effects of graded DEP concentrations, thereby indicating the need to restrict its usage to protect aquatic environments and its resident species in order to achieve a stable and ecological balance in the environment.
Keywords: Diethyl phthalate, biochemical, Clarias gariepinus, toxicological, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase