Toxic Effects of Phorate 10% CG on the Biochemical Parameters of Snakehead Fish Channa Punctatus

Abstract

This study examines the biochemical and genotoxic effects of the organophosphate insecticide phorate (10% CG) on the freshwater fish Channa punctatus. The fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations (1/10^th of 96h LC₅₀) of phorate, and the acute toxicity was assessed using static and continuous flow-through methods over 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. The calculated LC₅₀ values were 0.825, 0.725, 0.713, and 0.60 ppm for the static method, and 0.572, 0.55, 0.50, and 0.425 ppm for the flow-through method. Biochemical analyses were performed on the liver, gill, muscle, kidney, and brain to evaluate the impact of phorate exposure on glycogen, protein, DNA, and RNA content. The results indicated significant reductions in glycogen and protein levels across all tissues, with the liver and muscle showing the most notable declines, suggesting a dose-dependent impairment of carbohydrate and protein metabolism. A similar trend was observed for DNA and RNA content, with the liver and muscle tissues exhibiting the most substantial decreases, highlighting potential genotoxic effects of phorate. These findings underscore the harmful impact of phorate on the metabolic and genetic stability of Channa punctatus and emphasize the need for stringent monitoring and regulation of pesticide usage in aquatic ecosystems to prevent long-term ecological damage.