Mr. Md. Hamidur Rahman

Bangladesh Agricultural University
Bangladesh

Abstract Title: Protective Role of Spirulina Against Arsenic-Induced Growth Suppression, Hematological Alterations, and Tissue Damage in Nile Tilapia

Biography:

Md. Hamidur Rahman is a Lecturer at Bangladesh Agricultural University with over five years of teaching and research experience in aquaculture. He obtained a CGPA of 3.859 (Out of 4.00) in Honours and 3.984 (Out of 4.00) in Masters. With 28 publications, including 12 international papers, 6 as first author, and 4 as corresponding author, he has established himself as a promising researcher. His work focuses on fish nutrition, feed efficiency, and health management in aquaculture species such as seabass and grouper. Through his contributions, he aims to enhance sustainable aquaculture production and address global challenges in food security.

Research Interest:

Arsenic contamination jeopardizes aquaculture productivity and food safety. This research investigated whether dietary Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) can mitigate arsenic-induced toxicity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). We fed tilapia for 60 days on arsenic-contaminated diets (15 mg As/kg feed) supplemented with Spirulina at 0, 10, 20, or 30 g/kg (T? - T?; triplicate tanks per treatment). We then assessed growth performance, feed utilization, hematology, arsenic residues in muscle, and histopathology of the intestine and liver. Fish receiving 10 g/kg Spirulina (T?) showed the most significant final weight and specific growth rate, improved feed conversion efficiency, and the highest survival (~91%), outperforming fish on arsenic-only diets (T?). Hemoglobin increased and glucose levels normalized in Spirulina-fed fish, suggesting alleviation of arsenic stress. Muscle arsenic concentrations were lowest in T? and highest in T?. Histological examination revealed severe villus atrophy and hepatic vacuolization/necrosis in T?, whereas spirulina, particularly at 10 g/kg, restored intestinal villi and hepatic architecture. Overall, Spirulina supplementation, optimally at 10 g/kg, ameliorated arsenic toxicity by enhancing growth and physiological status, preserving tissue integrity, and reducing toxicant accumulation. The findings support the use of Spirulina as a functional feed additive to produce healthier, arsenic-safe tilapia suitable for human consumption.