The randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
analysis method developed by Williams et al. [12] and
Walsh and McClelland [13] is a simple and sensitive
method and appears effective in detecting genetic
damages [14]. This technique has been successfully
applied to detect genotoxicity of pollutants in aquatic
organisms or bacteria. The effect of metal pollution in rice
seedlings [15], ultraviolet radiation in a marine macroalgae,
Palmaria palmata [16] and benzo(a) pyrene in the RTG-2
fish cell line have been studied using RAPD assay [17].
The presence of different potent genotoxic substances in
the aquatic environment has led to the development
and adaptation of many modern and reliable techniques
for quick monitoring. This technique is more cost
effective and less labour intensive than other similar kinds
of molecular techniques like Arbitrarily Primed - PCR (AP-
PCR) in addressing a particular problem [18]. African
catfish (C. gariepinus) is one of the most important
tropical cultured fish due to high growth rate, high
stocking-density capacities, high consumer acceptability
and high resistance to poor water quality and oxygen
depletion [19, 20]. Moreover, it has been used in
fundamental research and considered as an excellent
model for toxicological studies [21, 22].
The objective of the present study was to evaluate
the heavy metal content in water and fish of
agricultural drains and use a multi biomarker approach
in an invasive fish species to assess the impact of
pollution by using the RAPD-PCR technique and
Micronucleus test.