Evaluation of Toxicity of Three Car Wash Detergents (Morning Fresh, Mama Lemon and 2Sure) on the Catfish (Clariasgariepinus Juveniles) Using ANOVA and Survival Analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the acute toxicity of three commonly used liquid detergents—Morning Fresh, 2-Sure, and Mama Lemon—on juveniles of Clariasgariepinus over a 96-hour exposure period. A static bioassay method with graded concentrations (0.015625–0.5%) was employed, and mortality responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, survival curves, and one-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. Results showed a clear concentration-dependent decline in fish survival across all detergents, with higher concentrations producing faster mortality rates. Survival curve analysis indicated that 0.5% concentration had the lowest LT₅₀ (16 h) and LT₉₀ (~86 h), while lower concentrations did not reach LT₉₀ within 96 hours. However, ANOVA results across all replicates and detergents consistently showed no statistically significant difference between group means (p = 0.176 > 0.05; F <Fcrit). Despite the lack of statistical significance, observable biological effects indicate that detergent effluents pose ecological risks to aquatic organisms. The study highlights the need for regulation of detergent discharge into aquatic systems and recommends further toxicological evaluation using more sensitive analytical methods.