Changes in Biochemical Parameters in Clarias Gariepinus Induced with Sublethal Doses of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates

Background and Objective: Surfactants in the environment enhance the solubility of harmful organic compounds in soil due to their surface-active qualities, enhancing the mobility of toxic agents and further damaging the aquatic environment. This study investigates the chronic effects of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonates (LABs), a well-known surfactant, on biochemical alterations in freshwater culturable catfish, Clarias gariepinus, after 30 days of exposure to a sub-lethal dose of a detergent component. Materials and Methods: The fish experimentation was carried out following the applicable standards and legislation as the C. gariepinus utilized in this study was self-bred. Blood was collected from the caudal region following the standard procedures. The fish were exposed to the range of the concentrations of LABs reported in the field of 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 and 0.20 mg L‾¹ and the control for 30 days. The Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), Glutathione activities (GST) and hydro corticosteroid profiles were measured on days 2nd and 30th in the laboratory spectrophotometrically. Results: Findings revealed that the surfactant altered the enzymes in these organs and the effects were dosage and time-dependent. The activity of the GST and cortisol levels followed an increasing trend and a decline in the activity of AChE in all the concentrations throughout the experiment. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to LABs increased the production of ROS, which ultimately caused oxidative cell damage and reduced esterase activity in the fish tissues. This study shows that LAB poisoning can ultimately endanger life and have comparable negative consequences on human health. Since anthropogenic factors are the primary causes of surfactant exposure, concerned authorities must enact stringent mitigation measures to curb this underrated risk.