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ABSTRACT
The sublethal effect of Atrazine on the growth performance, some clinical biochemical functions and gonadal development of Clarias gariepinus juveniles was tested within the duration of three months. The experiment had six treatment groups including the control. The sublethal concentrations were grouped according to concentration; group one (3.56mg/l), group two (7.11mg/l), group three (10.67mg/l), group four (14.22mg/l) and group five (17.78mg/l). Thejuveniles in the various treatment tanks were exposed to the various sublethal concentrations for 28 days and subsequently left for two months post exposure. Growth indices measured include length, weight, growth rate, standard growth rate and condition factor while biochemical parameters measured for toxicity were Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alkaline phosphatase, Albumin and Total protein. The biochemical parameters were significantly different in all groups (p˂0.05) both during exposure and post exposure. Growth performance was also negatively affected. Histology of gills, gonads and liver also showed signs of tissue alterations. Reproductive hormones such as Follicle stimulating hormone and Luteinizing hormone levels in the female fish as well as Testosterone and Prolactin levels showed varying significance across the different treatment groups. In general, Atrazine was found to have detrimental effects on the growth performance, enzyme activities and gonadal development in Clarias gariepinus. Atrazine also had a negative effect on gonad development across the various treatment groups. The study showed that there is a need for controlled use of Atrazine in agriculture in other to reduce fish exposure to Atrazine.
