AN ASSESSMENT OF THE BIOCHEMICAL INDEX OF SAROTHERADON MELANOTHERON AND CYNOGLOSSUS SENEGALENSIS AND WATER QUALITY INDEX OF THE BARIGA LANDING SITE, LAGOS LAGOON

Abstract

Biochemical markers are sensitive index for detecting the type of toxicity and early responses of fishes in polluted marine habitats. An investigation of oxidative stress and toxicity using plasma membrane indices of Sarotherodon melanotheron and Cynoglossus senegalensis, physico-chemical parameters and WQI of the Bariga Landing site was carried out from June 2016 to August 2016. All physic-chemical parameters were determined according to standard field and laboratory procedures. The values of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of the blood sample were determined using blood test and the liver function test. Results reveal variations in the physic-chemical analyses among the study months. Temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, transparency had a mean of 25±1.0; 7.44±0.05; 4.33±0.15; 15.33±3.06; 73.17±0.76 respectively. Also TSS, phosphate, COD, BOD, nitrate, TDS had a mean value of 2.0±0.58; 13.1±1.015; 8.87±0.23; 5.3±0.1; 161.13±9.50 respectively. The values of AST enzymes activity in the plasma of Sarotherodon melanotheron from the month of June to August are 129.41±7.32; 164.07±8.12; and 127.67±2.81. For ALT enzymes activity, the values are 57.02±2.86, 46.32±3.58 and 44.62±0.67. The value of enzymes activity in the plasma of Cynoglossus senegalensis from the month of June to August are 137.62±5.17; 144.98±8.73 and 178.91±3.305 for AST, and 57.02±2.86; 45.32±3.58, and 44.22±0.67 for ALT. The significant differences (P<0.05) in the AST and ALT found within the cells of both fishes reflect tissue injury or organ dysfunction caused by exposure to stress by pollutants. Therefore, AST and ALT are commonly used serum biomarkers of liver damage useful in monitoring the physiological status of fish and as an indicator of the aquatic environmental health