DELETERIOUS EFFECT OF SHORT TERM EXPOSURE TO XENOESTROGEN- BISPHENOL A ON CERTAIN HAEMATOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL PROFILE OF FRESHWATER MURREL, CHANNA STRIATA (BLOCH, 1793)T. ELVIN, N.A. MALINI, AND K. ROY GEORGEAbstract Used worldwide intermediately for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, Bisphenol A (BPA) has found its way into the aquatic ecosystems via leaching. With studies already confirming the endocrine-disrupting capability of BPA, the present investigation was focused on the effects of different sublethal concentrations (0.1 ppm, 0.2ppm and 0.4 ppm) of BPA on the haematological, and physiological parameters of freshwater murrel, Channa striata on the 7th and 21st day of its exposure. To assess the impact of BPA, itâs lethal concentration (LC50) was determined first and was found to be 4.13ppm. The study here reports the capability of BPA to depress the haematological parameters of the fish studied. BPA exposure also elicited a significant decrease in the level of protein as well as cholesterol in the muscle and liver. Dose-dependent degenerative changes were also observed in the architecture of BPA exposed fish liver. In conclusion, BPA induced stress conditions were found to adversely affect the functioning of Channa striata. |