| Abstract: | In the present investigation the effect of water-borne copper on the gill architecture of a freshwater teleost, Heteropneustes fossilis (BLOCH ) was studied through scanning electron microscopy. The changes produced on the gill surface in a sublethal measured copper concentration (8.17 mg/1) in static bioassay after 96 h of exposure were fusion of secondary lamellae, rupture of various cellular components and deposition of excessive mucus and blood on the gill surface. The epithelial surface of treated gill thus lost the organized structures like microvilli, arborizing ridges and channels. The cause of fish mortality due to action of copper has been discussed in reference to reduced relative diffusing capacity along with other wide ranging effects on the metabolism of fish. |
