Acute-lethal toxicity test on juvenile Oreochromis niloticus exposed to Piper betle extract under static exposure

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the effect of Piper betle leaf extract towards the acute-lethal toxicity, LC50 of red Nile tilapia juveniles (Oreochromis niloticus). Design/methodology/approach Ten red Nile tilapia juveniles per tank (in triplicate) were used as an experimental fish for the LC50 bioassay. Five different concentrations of P. betle extract; 80 ppm, 90 ppm, 100 ppm, 110 ppm and 120 ppm, were tested on the red Nile tilapia juveniles and one tank was acting as a control. The progress of the LC50 and lethal time of fish mortality were observed and recorded within the random interval of 96 h. The value for LC50 was determined as 100 ppm of P. betle leaf extract. Higher number of fish mortalities was observed when concentration higher than 100 ppm was tested on to the red Nile tilapia juveniles. Findings Data obtained shows that the P. betle concentration of 120 ppm accelerated the fish mortality period. Originality/value However, adaption of P. betle extract occurred after 50 h, as there was no fish mortality observed within the time.