Impact of Arsenic Exposure on Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of the Catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis

Abstract

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a significant global issue, adversely impacting
both human health and aquatic ecosystems. Anthropogenic activities are major
contributors to arsenic pollution in water. Previous studies have demonstrated that
arsenic exposure alters behavioural, haematological, and biochemical parameters in
fish by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species. Multiple organs, including
the liver, kidney, gills, and cardiovascular system, are severely affected by
arsenic toxicity. In the present study, Heteropneustes fossilis was exposed for 96h
and 7 days to two sublethal concentrations, 4.88 mg/L and 14.64 mg/L, of dibasic
sodium arsenate heptahydrate and effects on haematological and biochemical parameters
were analyzed. The results indicated significantly decreased haemoglobin
content and red blood cell count in fish exposed to arsenic under both exposure durations,
while total white blood cell count increased. Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
enzyme activity in the kidney increased approximately 25-fold and 2-fold in fish exposed
to 4.88 mg/L and 14.64 mg/L dibasic sodium arsenate heptahydrate for 96h,
respectively. In contrast, SOD activity was reduced to 0.46-fold and 0.36-fold in fish
exposed for 7 days to 4.88 mg/L and 14.64 mg/L dibasic sodium arsenate heptahydrate,
respectively, compared to control fish. Approximately 2-fold increased catalase
activity was observed in fish exposed to both concentrations of dibasic sodium
arsenate heptahydrate for 96h. Catalase activity was also enhanced by ∼ 1.5-fold
and ∼ 1.75 -fold in the fish exposed to both concentrations for 7 days. These findings
indicate that arsenic is a potent toxicant, and continuous monitoring of arsenic
levels in aquatic environments is essential to ensure healthy and safe fish production.