Haematological Studies on Freshwater Fish Clarias gariepinus (L.) Exposed to Cadmium Chloride

Heavy metals are significant contaminants in aquatic ecosystems because of their persistence and ability to accumulate in aquatic biota. The effect of Cadmium Chloride on the hematological characteristics of the freshwater fish Clarias gariepinus is examined in this study. A local fish farm provided the healthy fish, which weighed about 121±0.7g and measured 17.25±1.70cm. They were brought to the laboratory in oxygenated bags. Over 21 days, the African catfish were subjected to 20%, 40%, & 60% of the LC50 for CdCl2, or 16, 32, and 48 mg/l, respectively. According to the data collected, Red Blood Cells (RBCs) count, Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, Hematocrit (Hct), Mean Corpuscular volume (MCV) as well as Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH), all significantly decreased as exposure concentration increased. However, compared to the control group, the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) rose in the treated groups. The study concludes that Clarias gariepinus may have unfavourable hematological effects from exposure to cadmium chloride, even at low concentrations.