The effect of volcanic ash from the eruption of mount Sinabung on the survival and tissue structure of Mahseer fish (Tor tambroides)

Abstract

Volcanic ash of Mount Sinabung enters the Lau Borus River. One of the biota in the river that is affected by volcanic ash is the Mahseer fish. This study aims to determine the LC50 from the exposure of Mount Sinabung volcanic ash to Mahseer fish, water quality, and tissue histology of Mahseer fish. The concentrations of volcanic ash for toxicity tests were 0 mg/L, 66,000 mg/L, 87,000 mg/L, 115,000 mg/L, and 152,000 mg/L. The results of the probit analysis showed that the LC50 values at the exposure time at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours were 135,249 mg/L, 106,741 mg/L, 72,210 mg/L, and 68,798 mg/L, respectively. The higher concentration of volcanic ash given will accelerate the time of death of Mahseer fish, followed by damage to the skin, gill and intestinal tissue. There is muscle necrosis and the epidermis is thinning in the skin. In the gills there is hyperplasia, hypertrophy, fusion, and necrosis of cells. Hyperplasia and hypertrophy of goblet cells, and necrosis of the intestinal villi in the intestine.