The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cytotoxic and
genotoxic effects of silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) towards African catfish
(Clarias gariepinus). Adult male catfish was exposed to 0, 25, 50, and 75 mgl–1
Ag-NPs for two weeks. Exposure to Ag-NPs exerted an increase in mortality
rate and behavioural changes compared to control. A fluorescent microscopy
examination was used to assess the cytotoxic effect. There was a 15-fold
greater extent of apoptosis in erythrocytes of exposed fish to 75 mgl–1
compared to control fish. No significant differences in the extent of apoptosis
were detected in 25 mgl–1 and 50 mgl–1 exposed fish. Also, the genotoxic
effect of the tested compound was evaluated via micronucleus and DNA
fragmentation assays. The micronucleated erythrocytes were observed as well
as, DNA damage was recorded in the liver, kidney, gill, and muscles in all
exposed groups and percentage elevated with the increase of Ag-NPs
concentration. Overall, our results indicate that, Ag-NPs exhibited the both
genotoxic and cytotoxic effects in African catfish.