Lead Nitrate Toxicity in the Suprabranchial Chamber and Air Sac of an Air Breathing Cat Fish Heteropneustes Fossilis(Bloch)

Abstract

Abstract: Suprabranchial chamber and air sac is a vital accessory respiratory organ help the air breathing fish in ambient oxygen consumption which is one of the primary metabolic need for the survival of the the fish. Heteropneustes fossilis is an air breathing cat fish also capable to use atmospheric oxygen through their suprabranchial chamber and air sac which is known as its accessory respiratory organ. Lead nitrate, as a prominent heavy metal, when discharged directly in to water body as industrial waste, adversely effect in the capacity of oxygen consumtion of the fish by inducing toxic effect in the respiratory organs, gills, suprabranchial chamber and air sac of accessory respiratory organ. This study provide a background for evaluating the possible danger for human health resulting for consumption of the heavy metals toxicity affected fish. The toxic effect of Lead nitrate appear to be two types, one that occurs on a short term exposure to the toxicant evidenced by fish death and the other of chronic or long term effect detected by the constant changes in the normal biological system of the test fish.