ASSESSMENT OF DNA DAMAGE BY SINGLE CELL ELECTROPHORESIS IN GILLS OF THE AFIRCAN CATFISH (Clarias Gariepinus) DURING SUB LETHAL EXPOSURE TO EFFLUENT FROM A GLASS MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

ABSTRACT

Industrial effluents often contain various pollutants that can pose a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and their inhabitants. This study aimed to assess DNA damage in the gills of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) following sub lethal exposure to effluent from a glass manufacturing industry. The assessment of DNA damage was carried out using the Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis (comet assay), a sensitive and widely accepted method for evaluating genotoxicity. The African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) specimens were exposed to concentrations (0.5%, 1.5%, 3.5% and 5%) of glass manufacturing effluent under controlled laboratory conditions for 96hours. Gill tissues were then dissected and subjected to the comet assay. The comet assay revealed varying degrees of DNA damage, with higher concentrations of effluent resulting in more pronounced damage. The results of this study provided important insights into the genotoxic effects of industrial effluents on the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). The extent of DNA damage observed in the gills underscores the potential risks posed by pollutants from the glass manufacturing industry to the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus). This study showed the need for effective monitoring and regulation of industrial effluents to protect aquatic ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. Furthermore, this study contributes to the broader understanding of the genotoxic effects of industrial pollutants on aquatic organisms and underscores the importance of employing sensitive bio monitoring tools such as the comet assay for environmental risk assessment.