Toxicity Effect of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon on the Micronucleus and Red Blood Cell of Tilapia guineensis

Background and Objective: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) is a recalcitrant pollutant known to have spread across the globe as a result of its anthropogenic sources. Toxic effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the micronucleus and red blood cells of Tilapia guineensis were investigated to determine the levels and distribution of PAHs and the health risk posed to the inhabiting fauna. Materials and Methods: Tilapia juvenile weighing 25 to 29 g from the same parent stock were used for the experiment using a static-renewal bioassay protocol. The Benzo (b) fluoranthene and dichloromethane (DCM) were used as the test chemical for the bioassay. Results: The average number of micronucleated (MN) cells observed in the exposed Tilapia guineensis was 4±1.4 for DCM treatment and 1.5±0.7 for the control treatment while the one exposed to benzo (b) fluoranthene treatment had the mean concentration range from 6.5±0.5 to 7.5±10.6. Mean of binucleated (BN) cells was 3±1.4 for DCM and 7.0±5.7 to 10.5±14.8 for benzo (b) fluoranthene compared to control which had 2.0±0.0. Conclusion: This study indicates that the Ijegun oil spill site of the Badagry creek still shows the richness of bioactive compounds that are capable of impairing the life function of fish and its consumers.