Biotransformation and Oxidative Stress Markers in Clarias Gariepinus from Petroleum Exploration Area in Delta State, Nigeria

This study assessed biotransformation, oxidative stress markers in Clarias gariepinus from swamps around the Kokori-Erhoike petroleum flow station in Delta State, Nigeria. Clarias gariepinus were collected from three sites (site A - Eku axis of Ethiope River - control site, site B - the swampy environment of Kokori-Erhoike petroleum flow station and site C - an earthen fish pond located within Kokori-Erhioke area). Biochemical analytes in serum, gill, liver, brain and muscle tissues of Clarias gariepinus (n=8/site) were performed using standard methods. Results indicated that blood reduced glutathione (GSH) was significantly (p 0.05) in fish brain and muscle tissues from the three sites. The changes observed in biochemical parameters showed that the fish were relatively under stress in their natural habitat (Erhoike swamp) and fish pond as compared with Ethiope River (Eku axis) and these biochemical alterations could be employed as biomarkers of contamination in environmental monitoring of crude oil pollutants and their metabolic changes as early warning signs of adverse effects of environmental pollution.