Abstract
Mercuric (Hg) and zinc (Zn) chloride toxicity was investigated in cerebroneuronal cells and gills of Bellamya bengalensis using sublethal concentrations under lab conditions. Freshwater snail B. bengalensis was exposed to mean LC50 concentration (1.56 ppm and 12.7 ppm) of Hg and Zn chloride, respectively. Bioaccumulation of Hg and Zn was observed in nervous and gill tissue in proportion to the time of exposure. Respiratory mechanisms and rate of oxygen consumption was depleted by both metals. Histopathological alterations in cerebro neuronal cells (giant, large, medium, and small) and gill filamental epithelia were apparent in Hg and Zn-exposed snails. Histopathology demonstrated increased cytoplasmic basophilia, extreme indentation of plasma membrane, karyolitic and eccentric nuclei, nuclear envelope with irregular size, and shrunken appearance of cerebroneuronal cells. Histologically, gill filamental epithelia showed hypertrophy, enlarged ciliated margins reduced length of cilia, nuclear dilations, thickening of basal lamina, and hemocytic accumulations in induced cells and severe loss of goblet mucus cells at the tip. Histopathology was accompanied by dysfunctioning cilia with decreased rate of respiration. Overall, neuronal impairment with damaged gill filament produced improper gaseous exchange leading to sluggish movement.
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