Toxicity of Detergent Containing Linear Alkyl benzene Sulphonate on Some Commonly Cultured Fish Species in the Niger Delta

This study evaluated the toxicity of detergent containing linear alkyl benzene sulphonate against some commonly reared freshwater fish (Clarias gariepinus, Heterobranchus bidorsalis and Heteroclarias) in the Niger Delta. The fish species were allowed to acclimatize in separate aquaria for 3 days in the laboratory. The range finding test was carried out at three different concentrations. From the range finding test result, the main experimental set-up was carried out at 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250ppm of the detergent in a renewed bioassay. Results showed that the mortality rate increased as the exposure time and concentration of the toxicants increased. The LC50 values for Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Clarias gariepinus and Heteroclarias were 91.67ppm, 183.3ppm and 41.67ppm. The apparent differences among the LC50 values of the various species could be associated to age, size and species type’s composition. Due to the toxicity associated to the detergent, caution should be exercised in the use and discharge of effluents of detergents containing linear alkyl benzene sulphonate into the aquatic ecosystem

Keywords:

Detergent , fisheries , Toxicant , Toxicity