Biochemical, histological, and molecular investigation of fish exposed to a brewery effluent

Background Breweries' industrial processes produce much effluent, which, if improperly managed, could contaminate the aquatic bodies that receive them. The effect of brewery effluent on fish health was investigated to assess the extent of pollution on the fish population. Samples of Clarias gariepinus L were exposed to varying concentrations of brewery effluent. After exposure, key biochemical indicators of oxidative stress response were analyzed. Messenger RNA expressions of genes associated with growth, reproduction, oxidative stress, and toxicity were quantified. The histopathological architecture of the liver was also examined. Results Exposure of fish to the brewery effluent increased conjugated diene and malondialdehyde levels, while the activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase and SOD) significantly ( p