Studies on bioaccumulation patterns, biochemical and genotoxic effects of copper on freshwater fish, Catla catla: an in vivo analysis

Abstract

During present study, the copper (Cu) mediated oxidative stress was measured that induced DNA damage by concentrating in the tissues of fish, Catla catla (14.45±1.24g; 84.68±1.45mm) (Hamilton,1822). Fish fingerlings were retained in 5 groups for 14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days of the exposure period. They were treated with 2/3, 1/3, 1/4 and 1/5 (T1-T4) of 96h lethal concentration of copper. Controls were run along with all the treatments for the same durations. A significant (p < 0.05) dose and time dependent concentration of Cu was observed in the gills, liver, kidney, muscles, and brain of C. catla. Among organs, the liver showed a significantly higher concentration of Cu followed by gills, kidney, brain, and muscles. Copper accumulation in these organs caused a significant variation in the activities of enzymes viz. superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD). The SOD activity varied significantly in response to the exposure time of Cu as 56 > 70 > 42 > 84 > 28 > 14 days while CAT activity exhibited an inverse relationship with the increase in Cu concentration. POD activity showed a significant rise with an increase in Cu exposure duration. Comet assay exhibited significant DNA damage in the peripheral erythrocytes of Cu exposed C. catla. Among four exposure concentrations, 2/3rd of LC50 (T1) caused significantly higher damage to the nuclei compared to control. Increased POD and SOD activity, as well as a decrease in CAT activity in response to Cu, demonstrates the involvement of a protective mechanism against reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas increased ROS resulted in higher DNA damage. These above-mentioned molecular markers can be efficiently used for the biomonitoring of aquatic environments and conservation of edible fish fauna.

Inorganic nanoparticles for use in aquaculture

“…104 The use of NPs in drug-delivery is assigned to their particular properties such as controlled particle size, shape, surface charge, sustained release, regulation, target-specific, multi-route delivery pathways and degradation of nano-carriers. 105 Vaccination, a major concern in the last 20 years, plays an important role in aquaculture, since it is not only efficient but also cost-effective, while preventing only certain pathogenic diseases. 106,107 Nanovaccines are formulated with an antigen or a group of antigens containing appropriate NPs.…”

“…Nanotechnology contributes significantly to pollutant‐free cultured pond's prevalence, rapid identification of diseases, vaccines and delivery of drugs 104 . The use of NPs in drug‐delivery is assigned to their particular properties such as controlled particle size, shape, surface charge, sustained release, regulation, target‐specific, multi‐route delivery pathways and degradation of nano‐carriers 105 . Vaccination, a major concern in the last 20 years, plays an important role in aquaculture, since it is not only efficient but also cost‐effective, while preventing only certain pathogenic diseases 106,107 .…”