Abstract

Studies on the changes in antioxidant enzyme activity induced by parathion in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix

Authors: Nayab Kanwal, Sana Aziz, Sajid Abdullah, Muhammad Sarfraz Ali, Nisar Ahmad

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2024.006

Abstract
Parathion is a pesticide that has negative effects on the environment and non-targeted species. Fish are commonly used as a model organism to monitor environmental toxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of parathion in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. Firstly, a 96-hour LC50 was determined by probit software. The 96-hour LC50 was found to be 0.98 mg/L. Then, after exposing the fish to different sub-lethal concentrations (1/3rd, 1/5th, and 1/7th of the 96-hour LC50), antioxidant enzyme activity was assessed following chronic exposure. After the chronic exposure, fish were sampled and targeted organs were isolated for the analysis of antioxidant enzyme activity in terms of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT The activity of both enzymes fluctuated significantly in the group exposed to different sub-lethal concentrations and patterns in different organs was Liver > gills > kidney > muscles > heart. Physio-chemical parameters were maintained at optimum levels. The changes in the enzymatic activity can be effectively used as biomarkers for monitoring the level of pesticides in aquatic systems.

Keywords: Antioxidant enzyme activity, Superoxide dismutase, Catalase, Oxidative stress, Pesticide, Parathion, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix