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EFFECTS OF 2 , 4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC ACID ON THE ELECTROLYTES OF BLOOD , LIVER AND MUSCLES OF Clarias

Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. *Correspondence author’s E-mail:emmaogamba@gmail.com Herbicides are used in the control of weeds especially in areas and situations where human labour is inadequate. Herbicides find their way into aquatic ecosystem through direct control of aquatic weeds and runoff from terrestrial environments. This study assessed the effects of 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) on the electrolytes of some body tissues (muscles, blood and liver) of Clarias gariepinus, a common Niger Delta fresh water fish. The Clarias gariepinus samples were obtained from a private farm in Aluu Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The fishes were subjected to different concentrations of 2, 4-D i.e. 0.00 ppm, 0.04ppm, 0.06ppm and 0.08ppm for 96 hours. The electrolytes of the fish were collected and analyzed using standard procedure. The Clarias gariepinus showed significant variations (P<0.05) in the electrolytes concentration among the different fish tissues (the blood, liver and muscles) when exposed to 2, 4D as compared to the control. The electrolytes in the different tissues were in the order; blood> liver> muscle (sodium and chloride), while blood<liver<muscle (potassium). However, sodium and chloride increased with the increased concentration of the toxicant, while potassium decreased accordingly. Thus, the disruption of the electrolytes balance of the fish was an indication that 2, 4D could be toxic and should be used with caution.