Volume 11 Issue 1

Oxybenzone Induced Biochemical Stress and Tissue Alterations in Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus

Ogunwole

Abstract

Oxybenzone (OXB), a common ultraviolet filter in sunscreen products, has raised concerns because of its potential toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the chronic effects of OXB on oxidative stress, metabolic disruption, and histopathological biomarkers in Clarias gariepinus and Oreochromis niloticus. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations of OXB spanning 0.1, 0.5 1.0, 1.5, and 2 mg/L for 30 days, after which blood, and liver tissues were retrieved for oxidative stress biomarkers, liver and kidney function indices, glucose levels, and histopathological alterations were evaluated. The result showed that in both fish species, there was significant induction in the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase than their control counterparts. However, O. niloticus exhibited higher baseline antioxidant activity, while C. gariepinus experienced greater oxidative damage, as evidenced by its relatively higher lipid peroxidation levels. Liver enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly induced in both fishes, although more severe hepatic injury was observed in O. niloticus, which was also confirmed histologically. Hyperglycemia was observed in both species, with C. gariepinus having the highest relative values with increasing concentration. Urea and creatinine levels was also significantly induced in both species, with C. gariepinus also experiencing the most induction. The histopathology analysis in both species revealed liver damage and vascular alterations with varying severity that were specific to both test organisms. This study revealed the potential for OXB to elicit distinct toxicological responses in diverse species, thus, posing ecological risks to freshwater ecosystems.

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