Author(s): Javid Khan and Vidya Pradhan

Abstract: In aquatic ecosystems heavy metal contamination adversely affects fish especially their physiology and metabolism. The present study explores the chronic impact of lead acetate on oxygen consumption and energy metabolites in Labeo rohita fingerlings. The 96-hour LC?? of lead acetate was determined to be 31.5 ppm, and a sublethal concentration (3.15 ppm; 1/10^th LC??) was used for a 28-day exposure trial. Oxygen consumption, along with protein and carbohydrate levels was estimated from muscle tissues. Our results exhibited a significant time-dependent decline in oxygen consumption (4.78 to 2.94 mg O?/hr/100g), protein (12.45 to 7.24 mg/g), and carbohydrate content (5.86 to 2.86 mg/g), indicating metabolic suppression and energy depletion. The observed results show differences in the physiological stress induced by chronic lead exposure, even at sublethal levels as compared to control. These findings emphasize that the oxygen uptake, protein and carbohydrate content are affected by lead acetate, posing ecotoxicological risks and negative consequences for fish health and freshwater ecosystem stability.

DOI: 10.22271/fish.2025.v13.i5b.3158

Pages: 167-172  |  146 Views  79 Downloads

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