HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FRESHWATER FISH, CHANNA STRIATUS (BLOCH) UNDER THE STRESS OF ZINC SULPHATE

Abstract

In the present investigation, Zinc Sulphate toxicity was evaluated on various haematological parameters in a fresh water air-breathing fish, Channa striatus. When exposed to sublethal concentrations (15, 20 and 30mg/L) of Zinc Sulphate in water for a period of 10, 20, 30 and 40days. At the end of 10, 20, 30 and 40days exposure periods, blood samples were collect from the control and experimental fish. The fish blood was assayed for selected haematological parameters, Haemoglobin (Hb), Red blood cells (RBC), Haematocrit (Hct) and White blood cells (WBC). The derived haematological indices of Mean cell volume (MCV), Mean cell Haemoglobin (MCH) and Mean cell Haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were calculated. The fish, showed a haematological response after exposure (10, 20, 30 and 40days) to 15, 20 and 30mg/L of Zinc Sulphate. There was a decrease in Haemoglobin content (Hb), Red blood cells (RBC), Haematocrit value (Hct) and Mean cell haemoglobin (MCH). A significant increase was observed in WBC and Mean cell volume, Mean cell haemoglobin concentration. In conclusion, the alterations were observed indicate that haematological parameters can be used as an indicator of Zinc related stress in fish on exposure to elevated Zinc Sulphate levels.