Effect of heavy metals induced toxicity on metabolic biomarkers in common carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.).docVIP

Mj. Int. J. Sci. Tech. 2008, 2(01), 192-200 Maejo International Journal of Science and Technology ISSN 1905-7873 Available online at www.mijst.mju.ac.th Full Paper Effect of heavy metals induced toxicity on metabolic biomarkers in common carp (Cyprinus Carpio L.) Vinodhini Rajamanickam* and Narayanan Muthuswamy Aquatic Biodiversity Research Centre, Department of Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology, St.Xavier’s College (Autonomous), Palayamkottai – 627 002, Tamilnadu, India *Corresponding author, e-mail: swethasivani@yahoo.co.in Received: 26 December 2007 / Accepted: 14 February 2008 / Published: 22 February 2008 Abstract: This research paper presents the pathological effects of a sub-lethal concentration of heavy metals (cadmium, lead, nickel, and chromium) on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Total protein and levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the liver tissue were measured. Compared with the control group a significant decrease of total protein (p 0.001) was ascertained in the experimental group. The ALP on the other hand was significantly higher (p 0.001). The values of ALT, AST, and LDH significantly decreased in the first day and then progressively increased afterwards (p 0.001). The above results on the biochemical profile indicate marked hepatotoxic effects of heavy metals in common carp. Key words: marker enzymes, transaminases, metal toxicity, common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. Introduction Human activities have led to accumulation of toxic metals in the aquatic environment [1-2]. The adverse input of diverse industrial wastes has aggravated the problem of contamination, and sewage disposal has greatly enhanced the addition of heavy metals into the aquatic ecosystem. Trace element pollution of the sediment in rivers, lakes, estuaries and bays caused by