THE EFFECTS OF DICHLORVOS OF THE BIOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF CLARIS’S GARIEPINUS

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of Dichlorvos, an organophosphate pesticide, on Clarias gariepinus, a common catfish species, focusing on biochemical composition, behavior, and mortality. The research is vital in understanding the ecological consequences of pesticide exposure in aquatic ecosystems. The result of the analysis revealed stable water quality parameters, including temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen, despite Dichlorvos exposure. This suggests that the aquatic environment retained relative stability in terms of water quality. The result revealed a significant behavioral alterations in Clarias gariepinus in response to Dichlorvos. As pesticide concentrations increased, fish exhibited reduced equilibrium, slower swimming, and increased jerky movements, underscoring the cumulative adverse effects of high concentrations. As Dichlorvos concentrations rose, so did fish mortality rates. At the highest concentration, a 77% mortality rate was recorded within 96 hours, highlighting the pronounced toxicity of Dichlorvos. In Table 4, substantial shifts in biochemical parameters, including increased AST and ALP levels and decreased total protein, suggest liver and kidney stress due to Dichlorvos exposure. The findings emphasize the detrimental impact of Dichlorvos on Clarias gariepinus' behavior, survival, and biochemical health. Therefore, it is recommended that stringent regulations and monitoring programs for pesticide use in aquatic environments are imperative to safeguard aquatic life and ecosystem integrity.