Abstract

TOXICITY OF COPPER ON THE PROTEIN CONTENTS OF CERTAIN TISSUES OF FRESH WATER FISH, CLARIAS BATRACHUS (LINN)

Muneesh kumar*, Mahesh Tharani, Lekh Raj, Sangeeta Devi

Abstract

Discharge of heavy metals into aquatic environment from various sources even below permissible levels, creates health hazards in aquatic organisms. The persistence and ubiquitous nature of these pollutant compounds coupled with their tendency to accumulate in organisms ultimately produce toxic reaction in aquatic biota especially, fish. The present study deals with the toxicity of copper as (CuSO4), as a component of industrial waste and its effect on tissue protein at 24, 48, 72 and 96h. The LC50 values were found at 180 ppm, 88 ppm, 40 ppm and 20 ppm for 24, 48, 72 and 96h respectively. The estimated protein concentration in the tissues-gills, liver, kidney, ovary and testis were found to be reduced during the exposure periods. Maximum reduction in protein level in the tissues was found at 96h.

Keywords: Heavy metal, Gills, Liver, kidney, testis, ovary, Clarias batrachus.