Biochemical changes in the gill, liver, and muscle tissue of Anabas testudineus on exposure to varying concentration of Lead acetate

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in aquatic systems is a global concern because of its toxicity, persistent nature, and its bioaccumulation. The present study was carried out to understand the sub‐lethal effects of lead acetate on Anabas testudineus despite its ability to tolerate stress. Fish were exposed to various concentrations of lead acetate (1.291, 1.936, 3.873 mg/L) for a period of 96 h for assessment of acute toxicity. Various biochemical (protein and glycogen) and enzymatic parameters (acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were investigated to have an insight on lead acetate toxicity. Protein content increased in all tissues in comparison to the control group. Glycogen increased in gill and muscle tissue whereas it decreased in liver tissues. Increase in the activity of phosphatase enzyme was observed in all tissues of the experimental group in comparison with the control group. All the studied parameters in different tissues were normalized to score values for calculation of integrated biomarker index (IBR) for better interpretation of data. Biomarker response index (BRI) was also calculated for a simple indication of the health status of control and experimental fish. Higher BRI value indicates less toxic effect on liver cells due to detoxification process, whereas lead acetate was found to be toxic for both gill and muscle tissue due to low BRI value. Lead acetate induced changes in the physiology of the experimental fish A. testudineus and the parameters taken into account can serve as biomarkers of lead acetate toxicity.