Biochemical and histopathological studies on lead nitrate induced toxicity in fresh water fish grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon Idella)

Abstract

Fish species were recently suggested as environmental bio-markers. Measuring heavy metals in aquatic organisms may be a bio-indicators of their impact on organisms and ecosystem health. From bio-accumulation studies, the proportion of lead was found to be significantly higher in different tissues of fish. In the present study the acute toxicity of lead nitrate was analyzed by the exposure of the lead nitrate to the fresh water fish Grass carp (ctenopharyngodon idella) at the time interval of 24hrs, 48hrs, 72hrs, 96hrs in the concentration of (5.15 mg/l). The vital organs like Gill, Liver, and muscle tissues showed pronounced effect on the activity of enzymes GOT (Glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase), GPT (Glutamate pyruvate transaminase) ALP, and Acid phosphatase (ACP) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The antioxidant activity was also evaluated. A significant decreased in the activity of enzymes GOT, GPT, SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) was noted. The enzymes ALP and ACP levels were found to be increased in all the tissues. Histopathological examination of liver, gill and muscle revealed the cellular degeneration, inflammation of the organs due to metal induced free radical generation and oxidative stress.