Published in:
07-12-2022 | Biomarkers | Original Article
Acute and sub-lethal toxicity of a common water contaminant (copper sulfate) on edible freshwater fish: assessment of hemato-biochemical and tissue morphological biomarkers
Authors:
Chokkalingam Kavitha, Mathan Ramesh, Rama-Krishnan Poopal, Zongming Ren, Bin Li
Published in:
Comparative Clinical Pathology
|
Issue 1/2023
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Abstract
Copper is an essential trace nutrient element, but excess copper could cause stress on organisms. Different animal models are available to assess the toxicity, in which, fish are highly recommended models for eco-toxicology. Different biomarkers can be used to determine the potential health impacts of stressors. We aimed to study the potential toxicity of waterborne copper on freshwater fish, Catla catla. We determined the median-lethal concentration of copper sulfate on edible freshwater fish. Then, we exposed Catla catla to the acute (24 h) and sub-lethal (35 days) concentrations of copper sulfate and analyzed hormonal, inorganic ions, hematological, enzymological, biochemical, and histological (only sub-lethal) biomarkers. The homeostasis of the studied biomarkers was significantly (p < 0.05) affected in copper sulfate exposed groups (acute and sub-lethal studies) when compared to the control group. Hormonal levels were accelerated in both studies. Inorganic ions were declined in acute and sub-lethal studies. Similarly, hematological biomarkers were predominantly declined in both studies. Changes in biochemical biomarkers were not similar with studies (acute and sub-lethal); glucose and protein levels were declined under acute study, whereas in the sub-lethal, only protein level was declined. Like biochemical biomarker, the observed changes in enzymological biomarker were not similar (except LDH and ATPase activity), and the GOT and GPT activity was inhibited under acute study. In contrast, in the sub-lethal study, the activity was accelerated. A series of morphological anomalies were observed in the gills, liver, and kidney tissues under copper sulfate exposure (acute and sub-lethal). This study provides additional information on biological responses (the primary, secondary stress responses, and morphological changes) to the waterborne stressor.