Increase in Temperature Induces the Malathion Toxicity in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus: A Short Term Acute Test

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of higher temperature beyond optimum range on acute toxicity for malathion (effective concentration 50 %) in Pangasianodon hypophthalmus. A 2 days renewal bioassay system for 96 h was used to determine LC50 value of malathion at three different regimes of temperature that is 30, 32 and 34 °C considering as T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The physico-chemical parameters of water of different treatment groups were estimated during pre and post-exposure of test chemical, following standard methods. The result of short term acute toxicity test at 96 h LC50 values through probit analysis was found to be 7.76, 6.45 and 4.46 µL L−1 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The 96 h LC50 of malathion at 34 °C was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) lower as compared with estimated LC50 for malathion at 30 and 32 °C. High temperature and free carbon dioxide coupled with low dissolved oxygen were significantly noticed in T3 group when compared to T1 and T2 groups. Lower LC50 of malathion at 34 °C as compared to 30 and 32 °C showed that at a higher temperature, the toxicity of malathion increased, signifying diminished fish protective response to malathion toxicity. The current study reflects the impact of increased temperature on pesticide toxicity in the aquatic ecosystem, alarming the aqua farmers to judiciously use malathion in ponds.