Effects of Sublethal Concentrations of Portland Cement Powder in Solution on the Aminotransferases of the African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822))

The present study investigated the effect of sublethal concentrations of Portland cement powder in solution (PCPS) (39.10, 19.55, 9.87 and 0.00 mg/L) on the aminotransferases (Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)) of the African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) with the aim to ascertain which of the selected organs (liver or kidney) or serum was mostly affected by the toxicant after a 15-day exposure period. The effect of sublethal concentrations of PCPS on the aminotransferases of Clarias gariepinus was significantly different (p < 0.01). The decrease in the activity of the aminotransferases was inversely proportional to the concentration of PCPS. The most significant decrease in the activity of AST was observed in liver, less significant in serum and the least in kidney, whereas the activity of ALT most significantly decreased in kidney, less in liver and the least in serum. Thus, PCP concentrations in the range of 9.87–39.10 mg/L in the aquatic ecosystem were harmful to the juveniles of Clarias gariepinus by significantly reducing the activity of their enzymes (AST and ALT).