Mortality Rate of Clarias gariepinus Fingerlings Exposed to 2, 3- dichlorovinyl dimethyl Phosphate

Abstract

2, 3- dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate is an organophosphate insecticide used in the control of insects in both agricultural and household. This study investigated the mortality rate of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings exposed to 2, 3- dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate. Samples Clarias gariepinus were bought from a private fish farm in Yenagoa metropolis, Nigeria. The fishes were acclimatized in the laboratory for 3 days. A static renewal bioassay methodology was adopted. Results showed mortality rate of 32.85, 57.14 and 72.86% at 0.20, 0.60 and 1.00 ppm respectively (based on different concentration) and 32.67, 43.33, 56.67 and 73.33% respectively at intervals of 12, 24, 48 and 96 hours (based on time). There was significance difference (P<0.05) with respect to concentration, time and interaction of time/concentration. Results also showed increased mortality with increased concentration and exposure duration. The results showed that even at low concentration, 2, 3- dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate could still induce mortality in fingerlings of Clarias gariepinus. As such caution should be exercised in the use and disposal of empty cans of 2, 3- dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate close to aquatic-systems.