Blood Erythrocytic And Leucocytic Components Of Heterobranchus bidorsalis Juveniles Stocked In Water Polluted With Crude Oil Fractions

The blood erythrocytic (RBC) and leucocytic (WBC) components of Heterobranchus bidorsalis juveniles exposed to different concentration of crude oil fractons were studied Two study periods namely the toxicity and recovery periods were adopted. Lubricating engine oil (LBO), Bonny-light crude oil (BLCO), Kerosene (DPK) and premium motor spirit (PMS) were respectively applied at four concentrations 100, 200, 4.00 and 8.00 ml L-1,. Lower numbers of RBCs were recorded in fishsamples exposed to the crude oil fractons than in the control fish. The comparatively high RBCs infish during the 4 days toxicity perod than during 42 days recovery periods is attributed to the greater destruction o RBCs during the toxicity period. The 400ml L-1 LBO and BLCO concentrationwere apparently preferred by the fish to maintain a higher number of RBCs than with 1.00, 2.00, and 8.00 ml L-1 concentrations. Similarly, the 8.00 ml L-1 concentrations of DPK and PMS gave better values of RBCs than the 100, 2.00 and 400 ml L-1 concentrations. Reduced number WBCs inthe fish blood during thetoxicity period at concentrations of 1.00, 4.00 and 8.00 ml L-1 LBO; was recorded likely the phagocytic action of the WBCs. Keywords: Heterobranchus bidorsalis, Erythrocyte, Leucocyte, Toxicity, Crude oil fractions Animal Research International Vol. 4 (2) 2007 pp. 691-69