HEPATOTOXIC EFFECTS OF CASSAVA EFFLUENT ON HETEROCLARIAS JUVENILES

ABSTRACT Aquatic environments are increasingly at risk from human activities, notably the release of industrial and agricultural wastes into water bodies. Among these pollutants, cassava mill effluent (CME) is particularly of concern due to its high organic content and potential toxicity. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) processing produces large quantities of effluent containing cyanogenic glycosides, which can break down into toxic cyanide compounds. Improper disposal of CME into aquatic ecosystems can pose significant threats to aquatic organisms, especially fish. This study investigates the hepatotoxic effects of CME on Heteroclarias juveniles, a hybrid catfish species significant in aquaculture for its rapid growth and hardiness. The research was conducted over four weeks at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Heteroclarias juveniles were exposed to various concentrations of CME (1 mg/L, 1.5 mg/L, 2 mg/L, and 2.5 mg/L), with a control group maintained without CME exposure. The study evaluated the enzyme activities (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and biochemical parameters (total protein, albumin, and bilirubin). The results demonstrated significant hepatotoxic effects, with dose-dependent increases in liver enzyme activities and alterations in biochemical parameters indicating liver damage. Specifically, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels increased significantly across treatments, from 27.5900 ± 0.01 U/L in the control to 40.5800 ± 0.01 U/L at the highest concentration (p < 0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels also showed a significant increase, from 67.5000 ± 0.10 U/L to 93.2000 ± 0.10 U/L (p < 0.05). Total protein levels decreased slightly from 0.1500 ± 0.01 g/dL to 0.1800 ± 0.01 g/dL (p < 0.05), while bilirubin levels increased from 3.8500 ± 0.01 mg/dL to 4.6400 ± 0.01 mg/dL (p < 0.05). Albumin levels showed a slight increase from 0.4100 ± 0.01 g/dL to 0.4600 ± 0.01 g/dL (p < 0.05). The research highlights the detrimental impact of CME on fish health, underscoring the need for effective waste management strategies to protect aquatic ecosystems.