2024, Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part C
Bioaccumulation and histopathological alterations in Clarias batrachus exposed to heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem of Durg district, Chhattisgarh
Author(s): Hemend Kumar and Ravinder Pal Singh
Abstract: The present study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals and associated histopathological alterations in Clarias batrachus (walking catfish) from selected aquatic ecosystems in Durg District, Chhattisgarh. This region, characterized by increasing industrial and agricultural activities, presents potential sources of metal contamination in freshwater bodies. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected from three sites (high, moderate, and low contamination zones) and analyzed for cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), chromium (Cr), and zinc (Zn) using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Tissues (gills, liver, kidney, and muscle) of fish were examined for bioaccumulated metals and subjected to histopathological analysis. Results indicated significant bioaccumulation, particularly in metabolically active tissues such as the liver and kidneys. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive relationships between metal concentrations and lesion severity, with Hg and Cd showing the highest correlation in liver and gill tissues, respectively. Histopathological findings included epithelial lifting, lamellar necrosis, hepatocyte vacuolation, and tubular degeneration. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) highlighted the clustering of specific metals with organ-specific damage, while ANOVA confirmed significant differences in lesion severity across sites. This study affirms Clarias batrachus as an effective bioindicator and highlights histopathological biomarkers as sensitive tools for early detection of aquatic toxicity. The findings underscore the ecological risk posed by heavy metal pollution and stress the need for regulatory intervention, routine monitoring, and ecotoxicological assessments to safeguard both aquatic biodiversity and public health in Chhattisgarh and similar regions.
DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2024.v5.i1c.209
Pages: 262-269 | Views: 72 | Downloads: 6
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How to cite this article:
Hemend Kumar, Ravinder Pal Singh. Bioaccumulation and histopathological alterations in Clarias batrachus exposed to heavy metals in the aquatic ecosystem of Durg district, Chhattisgarh. Acta Entomol Zool 2024;5(1):262-269. DOI: 10.33545/27080013.2024.v5.i1c.209
