Impact of Two Household Surfactants on Hepatic Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidant Defense Responses and Hepatosomatic Index in Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus

Olusegun B.  Samuel; Osaze V.  Osayande

Olusegun B. Samuel Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka – Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Osaze V. Osayande Aquatic Toxicology and Ecophysiology Laboratory, Department of Marine Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Lagos, Akoka – Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria

Keywords: Antioxidants, Fish, Hepatosomatic index; Lipid peroxidation; Liver, Oreochromis niloticus, Surfactants

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of two household surfactants, Morning Fresh Liquid Soap (MFLS) and Jik bleach (JIKB), on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by examining hepatic lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA), antioxidant defense responses (Superoxide dismutase, SOD; Catalase, CAT; reduced glutathione, GSH; Glutathione-S-transferase, GST), and the Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) over a 21-day exposure period. Juvenile O. niloticus were exposed to sublethal concentrations of MFLS (0.00096, 0.0024, 0.0048 ml/L) and JIKB (0.0007, 0.00175, 0.0035 ml/L) in a controlled laboratory setting. The physico-chemical parameters of the test environment; temperature (26.0-27.0℃), pH (6.8-7.0), and dissolved oxygen levels (6.0-7.4 mg/L), remained stable throughout the experiment. Exposure to both MFLS and JIKB led to increased lipid peroxidation as evidenced by elevated MDA levels, indicating oxidative stress in exposed fish compared to controls. Significant reductions in SOD activity were observed in fish exposed to both surfactants, particularly notable in the MFLS-exposed groups on days 7 and 14. CAT and GSH activities also decreased in a concentration-dependent manner, further indicating oxidative damage in liver tissues, while GST activity showed fluctuating patterns. Despite these biochemical responses, HSI values did not significantly differ among exposure groups, suggesting no acute liver damage over the study period. This study highlights the potential of household surfactants to induce oxidative stress in aquatic environments, underscoring the importance of monitoring and managing chemical discharges to safeguard aquatic ecosystems. Future research should explore longer exposure durations and higher concentrations to better assess potential chronic impacts on fish health and ecosystem stability.