EFFECT OF EGYPTIAN COPPER WORKS EFFLUENT ON TlLAPIA ZILLII GERV.

EFFECT OF EGYPTIAN COPPER WORKS EFFLUENT

ON TlLAPIA ZILLII GERV.

BY
M. H. MOURAD*
*National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Alexandria, Egypt.
Key words: Copper Works Effluent; Physiological responses; Tilapia zillii Gerv.
ABSTRACT
The effects ofEgyptian Copper Works Effluent on Tilapia zillii Gerv.
have been investigated. This waste water was charqcterized by high
concentrations ofheavy metals and solids besides low pH and dissolved
oxygen. The results of acute toxicity tests showed that the 96-hr TLm
was 0.58% (%vollvol), which means that the effluent ofthis company is
highly toxic. On the other hand, fish exposed to sublethal concentration
of Copper Works Effluent (0. 25%} for 14 days exhibited a depression in
feeding rate and the condition of fish flesh while blood glucose levels
and hemoglobin content are incrwsed. It is concluded that, the waste
water of Egyptian Copper Works does not comply with the standard
emission of the Egyptian law for the discharge o/industrial wastes into
drainage canal.