The effect of high concentrations of heavy metals on the integrity by intestinal epithelium of carp

Abstract

The article is devoted to the assessment of the toxic effects of heavy metals on the body of fish. The aim of the study was to study the integrity of the epithelial layer of the carp intestine after exposure to heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc, copper and cobalt). In the experiment, 6 groups of fish (european carp) of 10 individuals were used: control; groups of fish contained in solutions of heavy metals exceeding their MPC in reservoirs by 1000 times: in a solution of lead acetate (6 mg/l); in a solution of cadmium acetate (5 mg/l); in a solution of copper acetate (1 mg/l); in zinc acetate solution (10 mg/l) and in cobalt acetate solution (10 mg/l). The exposure in toxicant solutions was 4 hours. Smears-prints of carp intestines were made and with the help of light microscopy, the sloughed "living" cells were counted. The dominant influence of copper on the strength of the intestinal epithelium of fish in comparison with other metals investigated was noted.