Studies on the relative toxicity and metabolism of endosulfan to the Indian major carp Catla catla with special reference to some biochemical changes induced by the pesticide

Abstract

Experiments were conducted with the Indian major carp Catla catla to study the relative toxicity of technical endosulfan, its isomers, and formulations. The 96-hr LC 50 values decreased in the following order: isomer-A, 35% emulsifiable; technical endosulfan, 4% dust; and isomer-B. The principal metabolites reported in liver were lactone, alcohol, sulfate, and ether of endosulfan. In kidney all except endosulfan ether were present. No metabolites were recorded in muscle. In the three tissues, the two isomers were present. Muscle was the principal storage site of endosulfan. Endosulfan sulfate was as toxic as technical endosulfan, hence its formation was only a biotransformation. The principal detoxification products were ether, alcohol, and lactone of endosulfan. Technical endosulfan at sublethal concentrations greatly interferes with the metabolism of total proteins, glycogen, and total lipids of kidney, liver, and muscle.