Sub Lethal Effects of Copper and Arsenic on Some Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of the Blood in an Air Breathing Fish Heteropneustes fossilis

Abstract

Study was undertaken to evaluate biochemical and hematological alterations resulting from the exposure of Heteropneustes fossilis to both sub-lethal concentration of copper (1.84 ppm and 1.10ppm) and arsenic (1.10 ppm and 0.78ppm) on various tissues for 15 days, 30 days and 60 days. Three groups of 14 fish were taken as control group, arsenic exposed group and copper exposed group. At the end of experiment periodically blood sample were taken from the control and experimental group of fish. Blood was assayed for selected biochemical and hematological parameters (hematocrit, haemoglobin per cent red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, MCV, MCH, MCHC, clotting time, plasma protein, plasma glucose, blood plasma GOT, GPT, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides). The hematological indices of both sub-lethal concentration of both test metal indicated a dose-dependent decrease in hemoglobin values, hematocrit values, red blood counts, MCH, MCHC, which are indication of anemia of the normal chronic type. Clotting time significantly increased in copper exposed fish. A dose-duration dependent increase was observed in MCV and WBC count. Biochemical analysis demonstrated the blood plasma level of protein and glucose was lowered in the exposed fish as compared to the control group, but a significant dose dependent elevation was recorded in all other bio chemical parameters. During exposure time a relative decrease in blood glucose level and an increase in blood serum cholesterol level and SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides level was increased. The result of present study demonstrates the toxic effect of both test metal in test fish Heteropneustes fossilis and recorded hematological and biochemical parameters can be used as an indicator of copper and arsenic related toxicological stress in fish on been exposed to sublethal concentration of both metal.