Biochemical and Histopathological Impacts of Fungicides on Saccobranchus fossilis (Cuv. & Val.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55544/jrasb.4.5.14Keywords:
Saccobranchus fossilis, fungicides, histopathology, biochemical analysisAbstract
The widespread use of fungicides in agriculture has led to their inadvertent introduction into aquatic ecosystems, raising concerns about their potential impact on non-target organisms such as fish. This study investigates the sub-lethal effects of two commonly used fungicides—Mancozeb and Propiconazole—on Saccobranchus fossilis (Cuv. & Val.), a freshwater catfish species known for its ecological and economic importance. Fish were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of these fungicides over a period of 21 days, after which detailed histopathological examinations of the liver, kidney, and muscle tissues were conducted. Additionally, key biochemical parameters such as total protein, glycogen, and lipid levels were measured to assess metabolic disruptions. The results revealed significant histological alterations, including vacuolation, necrosis, and cellular degeneration in treated groups, along with marked reductions in biochemical content, indicating a high level of physiological stress. Mancozeb exposure was found to cause more severe damage compared to Propiconazole, suggesting differential toxicity among the tested fungicides. The findings underscore the ecological risks associated with fungicide contamination in freshwater habitats and highlight the utility of S. fossilis as a bioindicator for aquatic toxicology studies.
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