Acute toxicity of cadmium to Channa punctatus (BLOCH)

Effects of acute cadmium poisoning on survival, its residual values and histopathology in certain organs of a freshwater airbreathing fish, Channa punctatus (BLOCH ) were investigated. The threshold concentration, MATC and LC₅₀ values obtained from 96 h static bioassay, revealed that Channa is more susceptible to cadmium ions at higher temperature. The atomic absorption spectrophotometric determination of cadmium residues differed significantly in organs of specimens having survived and died after 96 h of exposure. The gill accumulate the highest amount of cadmium, the liver accumulated a slightly smaller amount than the gill, while the kidney accumulated the least. The histopathological lesions subjected to sublethal (5.2 mg/l Cd) and lethal (8.4 mg/l Cd) concentrations of cadmium were: detachment and rupture of lamellar epithelium, collapse of pillar cells and hypertrophy in mucus producing gland cells in the gill; vacuolization and coagulative necrosis in hepatic cells of the liver; and expansion, necrosis and accumulation of cellular debris in renal tubules of the kidney. The probable causes for death of fish due to cadmium ions have been discussed.     

Acute Toxicity of Sodium Nitrite on Channa punctatus (BLOCH) and Mystus (Mystus) vittatus (BLOCH)

This paper deals with the toxicity of sodium nitrite to freshwater fishes, Channa punctatus (BL.) and Mystus (M). vittatus (Bl.) as to determine the acute toxicity. The LC 50 values were obtained by using a static bioassay method for a period of 24, 48, 72 and 96 hour intervals. The LC 50 values of sodium nitrite for C. punctatus were 375, 325, 250 and 200 ppm and for M. (M). vittatus 164, 140, 90 and 64 ppm, respectively. A profuse mucus secretion was evident at higher concentrations as compared to lower ones. The probable causes of mortality of the fishes are also discussed.     

Deleterious effects of Malathion on survivality and growth of the fingerlings of Channa punctatus (BLOCH.), a freshwater murrel

The LC₅₀ of Malathion for Channu punctatus is determined for 24… 96 h of exposure as 10.95… 3.22 mg/l. At exposure to 2.5 mg./l Malathion, growth–measured by increase in weight–is significantly reduced from the 19th day and reduced by 10 % till the 31st day. During the same period of time, the RNA and protein contents of the muscle is lowered by 10 and 15 %, respectively, as compared with the control. In addition to an acute toxic effect, in sublethal concentrations Malathion has also pronounced effects on growth and metabolism.     

Acute Toxicity of Some Industrial Effluents in Relation to the Fish Size of Cyprinus carpio (HAM.) and Channa punctatus (BLOCH)

The fish Cyprinus carpio (HAM.) and Channa punctatus (BL.) of the size ranging between 6.0 ± 1.2 cm and 28.0 ± 1.6 cm were exposed to different concentrations of industrial effluents from M/s Punjab Tannery Ltd. (Jalandhar), M/s Spinning Mill Ltd. (Hoshiarpur) and M/s Food Specialist Ltd. (Moga) for evaluating the influence of fish size on the acute toxicity of these effluents. Results indicate that the relative toxicity of the effluents decreased with the increase in fish size from 6.0 ± 1.2 cm to 20.6 ± 1.5 cm. However, for specimens of the size of 28.0 ± 1.6 cm and more, the toxicity of the effluents increased with an increase in fish size. On the basis of the relative toxicity to fish, effluent from Punjab Tannery was found highly toxic and from Food Specialist Industry, the least toxic.     

Effect of a Sublethal Concentration of Zinc Sulphate on the Growth Rate of Fingerlings of Channa punctatus (Bloch), a Freshwater Murrel

Fingerlings of Channa punctatus are exposed to 12 mg/l zinc sulphate for 31 d at daily feeding. From the 19th day a significant decrease of growth (increase of weight) by 7 … 8 % as compared with the untreated control fishes was found. After exposure for 30 d the RNA- and protein-contents of the muscles are lower by 10 and 13 %, respectively.     

Zinc Induced Changes in the Nucleic Acids and Protein Metabolism in the Fingerlings of a Freshwater Murrel,Channa punctatus

Fingerlings of Channa punctatus, a freshwater murrel, when subjected to a sublethal concentration of 12 mg l^?1 zinc for 20 days elicited a significantly decreased (P<0.01) RNA content and hypoproteinemia in their liver. However, an exposure for 10 days under the same condition did not produce a significant alternation (P>0.05) neither in the nucleic acids (RNA – DNA) nor in the protein content. Results are discussed in relation to the pollutional stress of this heavy metal.     

Toxicity of Copper and Cadmium to Heteropneustes fossilis (BLOCH)

Static bioassay tests were conducted to determine the acute toxic effects of copper, cadmium and their mixtures on Heteropneustes fossilis in two different seasons. Median lethal concentrations (24, 48, 72 and 96 h LC50) revealed that copper is more toxic to fish even at very low concentrations in comparison to cadmium, tested separately or in combination with cadmium. The data indicate that the level of tolerance of the fish to metallic ions tested was temperature specific. Generally, fishes were found to be more susceptible to metallic ions at higher temperatures as revealed by the threshold concentration, MATC and LC50 values. The behavioural changes of the test fishes were also observed in reference to different concentrations of the metallic ions and temperatures.     

Malathion induced biochemical alterations in the liver of the fingerlings of Channa punctatus (BL.)

The effect of a sublethal concentration of malathion (95% E. C.) on the nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) and protein content in the liver of fingerlings of Channa punctatus, a freshwater murrel was investigated. 10 days of exposure brought non-significant alteration (P < 0.05) neither in the nucleic acids nor in protein content. However, significant quantitative decline in the liver's RNA (P < 0.01) and protein (P < 0.001) but not in the DNA content was observed after 20 days of exposure. Possible causes for such decline have been discussed.     

Studies on the Acute Toxicity of Zinc to a Freshwater Teleost: Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Static bioassay tests were carried out on Channa punctatus Bloch in the laboratory after renewal of concentrations every 24 h. The LC₅₀ values and 95 per cent confidence limits were 45.21 (39.62 … 51.11) ppm at 12 h and 29.8 (27.49 … 31.95) ppm of Zn at 96 h of exposure. The actual dissolution values of zinc were also determined in test solutions using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Behavioural changes were the higher rate of opercular movements, surfacing, loss of equilibrium and haemorrhage near mouth and caudal fin. The LT₅₀ values indicate that survival was increased with decreasing Zn concentration. The histopathological changes observed due to Zn toxicity in the gills have been discussed in relation to fish mortality.     

Effect of Zinc,Copper and Mercury on Channa marulius (HAMILTON)

Static bioassay acute toxicity tests of Zinc, Copper and Mercury were conducted to determine the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀s) of a freshwater teleost Channa marulius (HAM .) The 96 h LC₅₀ and 95% confidence limits for Zn²⁺ were 25.61 (24.13 … 27.12) mg/l; 0.90 (0.80 … 1.038) mg/l; for Cu²⁺ and 0.314 (0.257 … 0.371) mg/l for Hg²⁺. However, these values decreased at 240 h of exposure and were: 21.09 (18.29 … 24.60) mg Zn²⁺/l; 0.66 (0.568 … 0.841) mg Cu²⁺/l; and 0.131 (0.103 … 0.158) mg Hg²⁺/l. The relative potency ratio of Zn/Hg, Zn/Cu and Cu/Hg suggests that fish were most sensitive to Hg, followed by Cu and Zn ions. The acute toxicities of mixtures of Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺; Zn²⁺?Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ and Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ up to 48 h of exposure were also investigated. The additive index and ranges for Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺ were ?0.241 (-0.577 … 0.054); 0.056 (-0.269 … 0.475) for Zn-Hg; 0.285 (-0.043 … 0.718) for Cu-Hg; and -0.542 (-1.215 … 0.005) for Zn-Cu-Hg. All the mixtures tested showed a greater than additive toxicity because index ranges overlapped zero.     

The Acute Toxicity of Plant Origin Pesticides into the Freshwater Fish Channa punctatus

Mortality to fish Channa punctatus caused by the latices of four species of terrestrial plants belonging to family Euphorbiaceae and Apocynaceae have been reported. It was found that extremely dilute aqueous solutions of the latex were effective in killing the fishes. The ranking of toxicity of four plants was Nerium indicum > Euphorbia royleana > Thevetia peruviana > Jatropha gossypifolia. It has been suggested that these plant products cannot be used directly in freshwater ecosystem unless their detailed toxicity has been studied on the beneficial freshwater animals.     

Size related toxicity of industrial effluents to cyprinus carpio (HAM.) and Channa punctatus (BL)

Fish, Cyprinus carpio and Channa punctatus in four sizes (6.0 ± 1.2; 12.5 ± 1.6; 20.6 ± 1.5 and 28.0 ± 1.8 cm in total length) were exposed to industrial effluents from the Sangam Dyeing Factory (Ludhiana), the Sterling Steel and ABC Paper Mills (Hoshiarpur) to evaluate the acute toxicity of these effluents at different fish sizes. Results reveal that the toxicity of industrial effluents decreased with the increased fish size from 6.0 ± 1.2 to 20.6 ± 1.5 cm in length. However, for specimens of the size of 28.0 ± 1.6 cm and more, the toxicity of the effluents increased with an increase in fish size. On the basis of the relative toxicity to fish, effluent from the Sterling Steel Mill was found to be highly toxic to fish and effluent from the Dyeing Factory least toxic except for the fish of 6.0 ± 1.2 cm at which dyeing factory effluent was most toxic and ABC paper mill effluent the least toxic.     

Accumulation of DDT Residues in the Testes of Channa punctatus (Bloch): A Gas Liquid Chromatographic Analysis

Residues of DDT isomers accumulated in the testes of Channa punctatus (BLOCH) were quantitatively estimated by exposing the fish to 2.5 ppm sublethal concentration for 32 days. The study revealed a high accumulation of DDT residues in the testes. The maximum concentration of residues was noted on the 32nd day of the experiment. The DDT isomer accumulated in maximum concentrations was followed by DDE and DDD isomers. The maximum residue concentrations were 0.3221 ppm (DDT), 0.1119 ppm (DDE) and 0.0695 ppm (DDD) on the 32nd day of the experiment. The total DDT residue concentration at the final interval was 0.563 ppm.     

Some Haematological Effects of Crude Oil on Freshwater Catfish,Heteropneustes fossilis (BLOCH)

The exposure of catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis to different concentrations (200, 500, 700, 1000, 1500, 2000 ppm) of crude oil extract for a varying period (for up to 48 h in lethal extract and 360 h in sublethal one) resulted into a number of haematological changes. All the parameters taken here were found to have been increased except the haemoglobin level which fell down to 14.3 % in an acute lethal concentration (2000 ppm) after 48 h of exposure. The haematocrit value increased significantly (12 %) in 2000 ppm. The blood sugar level showed hyperglycemia in all the concentrations. The increase in ascorbic acid (28 %) was pronounced in higher concentrations. Changes occurring in different parameters seemed to be reversible as all the parameters returned to their normal levels after returning the fish to normal media, except the nuclear swelling which did not resume the normal functioning even after a prolonged treatment (1 month or more) in the recovery jar. The haematological effects shown by the crude oil resembled partly those kept in severe hypoxic conditions and partly to the fishes poisoned by heavy metals (Cu and Zn). On the basis of results obtained in this investigation, crude oil may be categorised as a complex toxic agent.     

Acute and Chronic Toxic Effects of Cadmium on some Haematological,Biochemical, and Enzymological Parameters in the Fresh Water Teleost Fish Channa punctatus Akute und chronisch toxische Wirkungen von Cadmium auf einige hämatologische,biochemische und enzymologische Parameter im Süßwasserfisch Channa punctatus

The haematological, biochemical, and enzymological alterations produced on exposure of Channa punctatus to LC₅₀ (11.2 mg/L) for 96 h and to a sublethal concentration (1.12 mg/L) of cadmium (Cd²⁺) for 15, 30, 60, and 120 days have been studied. The fish were hypoglycemic and hypolactemic. The pyruvate content of blood and liver decreased in acute and all stages of chronic exposure except for 30 days where significant increase was recorded. Depletion was noted in the total protein and glycogen content of liver and muscle, and the level of lactate in liver in the two types of exposure. The levels of muscle lactate and pyruvate increased in both exposures. The activities of hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase decreased in liver after 96 h and all stages of chronic exposure except 30 days. The activities of hexokinase and lactate dehydrogenase in muscle and glutamate-oxalacetate transaminase and glutamate-pyruvate transaminase in serum, liver, and muscles increased in all exposures. The activities of succinate and malate dehydrogenases in liver and muscles decreased after acute and all stages of chronic exposure. The above results suggest that glycolysis and gluconeogenesis were impaired in liver but glycolysis prevailed in muscle. Aerobic oxidation is adversely affected in metal exposed fish, while proteolysis was increased.     

Acute and chronic toxic effects of the carbamate pesticide Sevin on some haematological,biochemical and enzymatic parameters in the fresh water teleost fish Channa punctatus

The effects of exposure to LC₅₀ (10.5 mg/l) for 96 h and to a sublethal concentration (1.05 mg/l) of Sevin for 120 days have been observed on some haematological, biochemical and enzymatic parameters of Channa punctatus. The fish were hyperglycemic and hyperlactemic and the glycogen content of the liver and muscles decreased, but the lactic acid content of two tissues increased. The activity of hexokinase increased in the kidney, intestine, liver and muscles but decreased in the gills and brain. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase decreased in the kidney and intestine, and increased in the liver, muscles, brain and gills. The pyruvate dehydrogenase activity decreased in all the six tissues. Both the exposures produced a decrease in the succinate dehydrogenase activity of the liver. The enzyme activity decreased in the brain, gills and muscles after chronic exposure, whereas the kidney and intestine showed an elevation in enzyme activity.     

Changes in the Level of Proteins,Free Amino Acids and Protease Activities of Clarias batrachus in Response to Sodium meta‐arsenite Intoxication

Increased hazard of arsenic toxicity at many provinces of India causing extensive contamination of their wetlands. To illustrate the consequences of the arsenic menace on the aquatic fauna, a nutritionally important freshwater catfish Clarias batrachus (Linn.) was subjected to the stress of sublethal concentration (1 mg/L; 5% of 96‐h LC₅₀ value) of sodium meta‐arsenite. The alterations induced by the arsenic salt on certain biomolecules (proteins, free amino acids (FAA), and protease activities) in five tissue components (muscle, liver, brain skin, and gills) of the fish using biochemical techniques were estimated. Significant (p < 0.01) decrease in the concentration of proteins in all the tissues (19.74–44.84% in muscles; 3.17–49.39% in liver; 10.05–36.16% in brain; 12.62–52.01% in skin and 7.34–61.69% in gills), and significant (p < 0.01) increase in FAA (6.84–269.89% in muscles; 125.89–358.03% in liver; 1.07–152.90% in brain; 29.31–401.62% in skin and 38.53–165.07% in gills), and protease activities (43.59–183.33% in muscles; 19.52–131.90% in liver; 8.85–46.72% in brain; 33.33–261.53% in skin and 25.39–50.79% in gills) of the exposed fish were observed. This increase in amino acids and enzyme activity point out toward breakdown of protein leading to their depletion.