Impact of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon effluent on the enzyme activity in blood serum of freshwater food fish Cirrhinus mrigala

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to estimate the acute toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) effluent on Cirrhinus mrigala and to evaluate the lethal levels. The 120 hrs median lethal concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) effluent were found to be 20ppt for Cirrhinus mrigala. Further experiments were proceeded with sub lethal concentration of (1/10th conc. of LC50) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) effluent which were evaluated from the LC50 value. After treatment the fishes were reared in ideal condition, then sacrificed dissected at different predetermined interval during the accumulation period, (i.e.) 1st day to 20th day, during the depuration period from 1st day to 15th day for Cirrhinus mrigala in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) effluent treatment for assay studies. The enzyme activity studies carried out under sub lethal (1/10th conc. of LC50) in Blood Serum. The present study indicates that oil effluent induced alterations in the enzymatic activities of the freshwater food fish both at acute and sub-lethal concentrations. These alterations can be considered as a tool for biomonitoring of pharmaceutical drug substances in the aquatic environment. The present work also indicates that oil effluent causes considerable alterations in enzymes activities and is likely to induce tissue damage in Cirrhinus mrigala. Therefore, this effluent should be handling with care and prevent its entrance into aquatic environment.