Cerena Oghenedoro OGHORO

This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical effect of imidacloprid (Imidacloprid 200G /L SL exposure on Clariasgariepinus juveniles. Four (4) weeks old C. gariepinus juveniles werepurchased at the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experimental fishes were kept and used for twenty-eight (28) days in a static renewal bioassay. At the end of the 28 days exposure, juvenile samples were prepared for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. This study investigated the effects of imidacloprid on Clariasgariepinus and examined Albumin function in the liver and muscle. Albumin constitutes a major part of the proteins in the body. Functions of albumin includes distribution of extra cellular fluid, regulation of osmotic pressure ,acts as transport agent for hormones,lipids and vitamins. Increased levels are found in dehydration and decreased levels are found in liver disease, malnutrition and kidney disorders. Standard physicochemical analyses of the experimental water yielded the following parameters: temperature 28 °C, pH 5.74, electrical conductivity 32 µS/cm, total dissolved solids 16 mg/L, turbidity 2 NTU, dissolved oxygen 6.6 mg/L, biological oxygen demand 2.7 mg/L, hardness 18 mg/L, alkalinity 8 mg/L, and chloride 14.12 mg/L. Fish were exposed to imidacloprid at three concentrations—5 µg/L (Concentration A), 10 µg/L (Concentration B), and 15 µg/L (Concentration C)—with an unexposed group serving as the control (Concentration D). These results suggest that imidacloprid exposure led to changes in albumin levels. At lower concentrations imidacloprid may affect albumin synthesis and at higher concentrations there was a significant increase in albumin levels. Increase in Clariasgariepinus, potentially serving as a protective mechanism against pesticide-induced oxidative damage. The research work shows the importance of antioxidant responses in aquatic environments on their exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and teaches the management of contaminated aquatic systems