Variations in Enzyme Activities in Two Sizes of Tilapia guineensis Exposed to Paraquat Dichloride in the Laboratory

Abstract

Aquatic pollution is one of the major worldwide environmental issues affecting humanity in recent years [1]. Consequent of industrialization and haphazard urbanization that is prevalent in major cities in the country, many rivers are experiencing convoluted challenges of pollution [2,3]. These have resulted in alarming levels of contamination and environmental degradation, particularly of the aquatic environment [4]. Enzymes play an important role in food utilization and metabolism in a living organism [5]. But this system may get altered under the stress and influence of toxicants [6]. This is because cells in organisms contain enzymes which perform different functions [7]. Conversely, when the integrity of the cell is disrupted through external interference by toxicants, enzymes escape into the plasma in the blood stream where their activities can be measured as a useful tool of cell integrity [8]. The response of aquatic organisms to pollution is expressed through several key biochemical activities involving enzymes which are concerned with the biotransformation system and these biomarkers give early warning signs of aquatic pollution [9].