Sublethal effects of industrial chemicals on fish fingerlings (Tilapia guineensis)

Tilapia guineensis commonly found in the Niger Delta ecological zone of Nigeria was exposed to sublethal concentrations (1.56, 3.13 mg/l) of neatex (industrial detergent) and norust CR 486 (corrosion inhibitor) using the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) # 203 protocol. At test termination on the 28th day, the rate of bioaccumulation of surfactants in the fish gills, gut and muscle tissues were measured. The levels of surfactant in the gills, gut and muscle tissues were significantly different at levels of p < 0.05 in fish exposed to neatex and norust CR 486. Surfactant levels in the fish also increased significantly with increase in concentrations. Surfactant accumulation in the test treatments may be an indication that the observed effects on the exposed fish may have been due to the chemicals. This study demonstrates the sublethal effects of surfactant-containing industrial chemicals on T. guineensis, an economic and ecologically important sentinel.