Histopathological alterations in kidney and liver of Carias gariepinus (burchell, 1822) studied in river galma, Nigeria.

Abstract

The river ecosystem serves as ultimate sink for myriads of xenobiotic all over the world with deleterious effects on the living biota within it. Histopathological alterations in kidney and liver of the catfish Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) were studied in River Galma, Zaria Nigeria. Twenty-five samples of Clarias gariepinus were exposed to the river ecosystem at the peak of rainfall in August, 2015 for 14 days at five stations along River Galma, using the cage system. Fish samples and controls from each station were subsequently harvested and transported to the laboratory for histopathological examination of liver and kidney. Results from photomicrographs of tissues from different stations revealed varying histopathological alterations which ranged from vacuolation, constrictions, necrosis and aggregations of cells to congestion of the blood vessels. These results indicated that River Galma is witnessing pollution. This calls for ameliorative measures by relevant authorities so as to protect aquatic life as well as the public from the toxic effects of aquatic environmental pollution.