Organophosphate Pesticide as an Environmental Stressor and its Impact on the Biochemical Parameters in Liver, Kidney and Gill of the Subtropical Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794)

Author: Srianga Tilak Patnaik, Nisigandha Muduli and Debasis Dash

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Abstract

The widespread use of pesticides in agriculture has led to increased contamination of aquatic ecosystems, posing severe risks to non-target organisms. This study investigates the impact of the organophosphate pesticide, monocrotophos, on the freshwater catfish Heteropneustes fossilis. Fish were exposed to varying concentrations (3, 6, and 8 ppm) of monocrotophos for 72 hours, and biochemical parameters were assessed. Behavioral alterations, including erratic swimming, excessive mucus secretion, and respiratory distress, were observed in exposed fish. Protein content significantly declined (p<0.05) in the liver, gills, and kidney, indicating metabolic disturbances. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels increased markedly, suggesting oxidative stress, with the highest LPO observed in gills (83.64% increase at 8 ppm). Catalase activity showed a dose-dependent increase, with a 590.4% rise in gills and 249% in liver at the highest concentration, reflecting a compensatory response to oxidative damage. These findings suggest that monocrotophos exposure induces biochemical and physiological stress in H. fossilis, which could have ecological and human health implications. The study underscores the need for stringent regulations on pesticide usage to protect aquatic biodiversity

Keywords

Organophosphate, Pesticide, Environmental Stressor. Lipid peroxidation, Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis, (LPO)

Conclusion

The study highlights the detrimental impact of monocrotophos on H. fossilis, evidenced by behavioural disruptions, protein depletion, and heightened oxidative stress markers. The findings suggest that prolonged pesticide exposure could compromise fish health and, through bioaccumulation, pose risks to human consumers. Further research is warranted to explore long-term ecological consequences and develop mitigation strategies to reduce pesticide contamination in aquatic environments

References

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How to cite this article

Srianga Tilak Patnaik, Nisigandha Muduli and Debasis Dash (2021). Organophosphate Pesticide as an Environmental Stressor and its Impact on the Biochemical Parameters in Liver, Kidney and Gill of the Subtropical Catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch, 1794). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 13(3): 712-716