ACUTE TOXICITY OF POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE TO Clarias gariepinus FINGERLINGS

Abstract

The acute toxicity of potassium permanganate (KMn04) on Africa catfish (Clarias gariepinus) fingerlings was studied under laboratory conditions using varying levels of concentration. The effects on some physiological parameters were also investigated for the 96 hour exposure period. Twenty fingerlings with mean weight 1.44 ± 0.72 g and length 3.8± 1.9 cm were stocked in 12 bowls (a control – 0mg/l, and five treatments) with each having a replicate. Mortalities of 100%, 85%, 60%, 40% and 25% were recorded in tanks with 10mg/l, 8mg/l, 6mg/l, 4mg/l and 2mg/l respectively, after 96 hours. The 96 hour LC50 of KMn04 on Clarias gariepinus fingerlings was 4.089mg/l with upper and lower confident limits of 5.19 and 3.22mg/l respectively. Water quality parameters determined were temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity and total dissolve solids which showed a significant difference (P< 0.05). Abnormal behaviors such as erratic swimming, total loss of equilibrium, agitation, loss of reflexes and gasping for air were observed. Loss of stability and mortality increased with increasing levels of KMn04 concentration while mortality was not observed in the control. Indiscriminate use of KMn04 in water bodies especially ponds should be avoided.