Toxicity Assessment of Acetylsalicylic Acid to a Freshwater Fish Cyprinus carpio: Haematological, Biochemical, Enzymological and Antioxidant Responses

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Pharmaceutical pollution is a global threat to the biosphere causing significant environmental health concern. A wide range of pharmaceuticals (antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers, etc.) are widely used in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture and aquaculture purposes to protect the life against various diseases and to improve human health. The extensive use of these compounds may enter the environment through discharge of domestic waste waters, excretion via water and sewage treatment systems which may affect the aquatic organisms. Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) is one of the most commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) worldwide and has been detected in aquatic bodies. Therefore, it is important to gain knowledge about the toxicity of acetylsalicylic acid in aquatic organisms. Here we have administered 100 and 200 mg L−1 of acetylsalicylic acid, to a freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio fingerlings, and have studied its effects on haematological, enzymological biochemical and antioxidant parameters. When compared to control, acetylsalicylic acid-treated fish showed a significant (P < 0.05) decline in haemoglobin (Hb), haematocrit (Hct) and red blood cell (RBC) levels throughout the study period (12 days). On the other hand, a significant (P < 0.05) increase was observed in white blood cell counts (WBC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values. Acetylsalicylic acid induced a hyperglycaemic condition compared to control, whereas the level of proteins was declined. A significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was noted in acetylsalicylic acid-treated groups (except 21st day in ALT activity and 21st day in AST activity). Significant alterations in various antioxidant parameters such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxidase (LPO), catalase (CAT) glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) were observed in ASA-treated groups compared to the control group. From the results, it is noteworthy that the drug ASA even at considerable environmental concentrations causes negative impacts on the health of aquatic organisms. The alterations of these parameters can be effectively used to monitor the impact of pharmaceutical drugs in the aquatic environment.Graphical AbstractOpen image in new window