Alterations in Certain Organic Components and Serum Electrolytes in Notopterus notopterus Chronically Exposed to Phenolic Compounds

• The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effects of three sublethal concentrations (1/10th, 1/15th and 1/20th fractions of 96 h LC₅₀) of phenol (P), dinitrophenol (DNP), pentachlorophenol (PCP) and their antagonistic [(PCP + DNP)/P], additive [(DNP + P)/PCP] and synergistic [(P + DNP)/PCP] combinations, on several organic and inorganic components of haemopoetic systems of Notopterus notopterus after 30 d of exposure.
• Glucose, lactate, total phosphorus, non-protein nitrogen, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and chloride were found to be increased in most cases while protein and cholesterol were found to be decreased.
• It has been concluded that these alterations in blood parameters might be due to a damage or hyperactivity of liver, kidney and endocrine glands, the main centres for controlling the tissue metabolism.