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ABSTRACT
The discharge of wastewater effluent from industrial processes presents a complex environmental challenge, potentially affecting aquatic ecosystems and the organisms within them. This study focuses on elucidating the genetic repercussions of wastewater effluent from a non-alcoholic beverage company on African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus), a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems. Tissue samples were extracted from juvenile C. gariepinus liver followed by RNA isolation, quantification and stabilization of the isolated RNA, synthesis of complementary DNA, and agarose gel electrophoresis. This procedure followed standard guidelines. The study also investigates changes in the expression of Ku Protein gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying genotoxicity with concentrations levels of 0.5%, 1.5%, 3.5%, 5.0%. The statistically significant correlation of the expression level of this gene at various concentrations with the equivalent controls revealed that the increase in the expression of Ku Protein gene in response to carbonated beverage effluent exposure was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The increase in the expression of this gene suggests that C. gariepinus is negatively impacted by carbonated beverage industry effluent. This is ultimately a clear call for increased awareness and proactive measures to address the complex problems posed by industrial pollution, so that fragile aquatic ecosystems can be preserved in future generations.
