Impaired growth and erythrocyte nuclear lesions of immature Oreochromis niloticus exposed to waterborne crude oil: Persistent responses

Abstract

Crude oil impact studies have largely been limited to marine setting and it hampers the understanding and predictability pertaining to freshwater environments following contamination episodes. Growth and erythrocyte nuclear abnormalities (ENA) were followed in freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus experimentally exposed to crude oil (Arabian light) dispersed in water. Study comprised of a control (no crude oil in water), and two experimental groups with 5 µL/L and 25 µL/L crude oil dispersed in water (5 ppm and 25 ppm respectively), and involved continuous exposure of fish (35 fish/tank in triplicate) with static renewal over a 90-day period. Growth was estimated serially at 18-day intervals (n=40-60). Both exposure groups reduced (p O. niloticus juveniles in freshwater environment.