Effects of sublethal zinc ions and acute crude oil exposure on serum enzymes activity of Carassius gibelio

Abstract

The current study was intended to investigate the responses of freshwater fish Carassius gibelio as an in vivo model by measuring the activity of the enzyme of the liver. Fish exposed to sub-lethal toxicities due to zinc metal and crude oil. Fish were treated to 0.6 and 1.2 mg/l for zinc ions as well as 500 and 2500 mg/l for crude oil during 96h, and the alterations in serum enzyme activities were determined aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Zinc toxicity elevated activity level in hepatic enzymes in a significant way (P < 0.05). The present study appeared the slightly augmented levels of AST in the serum of C. gibelio when exposed to sub-lethal Zinc concentration while the serum ALT activity increased in response to the high level of Zn exposure when compared to control after (96 h). In addition, acute concentrations of crude oil after 96 h exposure can cause harmful effects on Carassius gibelio including the induction of (AST). However, not effecting found (ALT). We are concluded that changes in the activity of the enzyme can be considered as a pointer of the pollution impact in fish.