Effect of lead nitrate on survival rate and chronic exposure on growth performance of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)

Abstract

The acute toxicity of lead nitrate to grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) juveniles was assessed in a static renewal bioassay for 96 h. In addition, an experiment was conducted to determine the growth performance during 60-day sublethal (Pb(NO 3) 2) exposure. The results indicated that median lethal concentration (LC 50) of lead nitrate to Grass carp for 96 h of exposure was 246.455 µ. The chronic exposure to sublethal concentration of lead nitrate to the studied fish showed a significant decrease in final body weight in comparison to control group. The lead nitrate also had significantly decreased effect on body weight in comparison to the control. Also, the food conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly increased in comparison to control (P < 0.05). The lead nitrate also caused a significant decrease in the survival rate (P < 0.05).