Effect of Sublethal Concentrations of Commercial Detergents on the Protein Content of Selective Freshwater Fishes

Abstract

Freshwater fishes are the primary and cheapest sources of protein for humans. The quality and quantity of protein generally determine the nutritive value of the fishes. These values are progressively worsening due to the environmental contaminants that appear in aquatic habitats. Nutritive values of protein in the tissues of fish are inversely proportionate to the total of pollutants that appear in aquatic habitats. Detergents are one of the major toxicants that rapidly contaminate lakes, rivers, ponds, streams, and creek bodies. Hence the present study aimed to determine the effect of sublethal concentrations of commercial detergents (Surf Excel, Ariel, Rin, and Nirma) on the protein content of freshwater fishes, Indian Carp (Catla catla), Rohu (Labeo rohita), Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The protein contents were determined in the fish tissues of muscles, liver, and gills at different time exposure of 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The results show the quantity of all tissue proteins significantly decreased with an increase in concentrations of all four detergents and exposure time. Based on the findings, we suggest that random discharge of detergents into water bodies should be averted.