EFFECT OF LEAD NITRATE ON THE HISTOPATHOLOGY OF THE GILL, LIVER AND KIDNEY OF THE FRESH WATER FISH, CIRRHINUS MRIGALA

Nimmy M. V. and Dr. Pawlin Vasanthi Joseph*

ABSTRACT

Background: The discharge of anthropogenic chemicals in the environment has resulted in long- term eco-toxicological implications all over the world which lead to an increase in the accumulation of toxic chemicals in soil and natural waters. Objective: The objective of the study is to evaluate the histopathological changes in the vital tissues like gills, liver and kidney exposed to sub chronic doses of lead nitrate. Methods: The experiment was designed to expose the fish to different concentrations of sub chronic doses of lead nitrate. One trough served as the control. Each trough contained ten fishes and the experiment was conducted in triplicate. The duration of the experiment was for 30 days. Result: The vital organs like gill, liver and kidney showed signs of degeneration. Conclusion: The pollution of waterways with anthropogenic activities is the major cause of aquatic loss and imbalanced food chain. Heavy metals like lead were tested in different organs like gills, liver, kidneys and flesh tissues of the fish enduring in natural water system. Most of the metals are present in the edible portion of fish. Humans are also affected by eating fish which can cause health problems.

Keywords: Cirrhinus mrigala, Lead nitrate, histopathology, sub chronic doses, degeneration.