Monica R.D., Shijo Mathew and Inbaraj R.M.
Abstract
Arsenic contamination in the aquatic environment is a worldwide concern due to its ubiquity and potential health effects on humans. Taiwan, Chile, Mexico, China, Bangladesh, India, and Argentina are considered hotspots for arsenic contamination. A large number of people in India, Bangladesh, and China are affected by groundwater poisoning and arsenic-contaminated food. Arsenic pollution in marine environments affects the environment and the local population. Fish are regarded as highly vulnerable to arsenic toxicity as they are constantly exposed to it through their gills and consume arsenic-contaminated food. Arsenic, once accumulated, may have deleterious effects on the behavioural, physiological, and structural composition of organisms. Consumption of arsenic-contaminated fish in humans may affect the skin, gastrointestinal system, and nervous system and cause anaemia, skin cancers, and liver diseases. The US Food and Drug Administration has demonstrated that marine fish and other seafood contribute to 90% of the total exposure to humans through ingestion. This study is focused on evaluating the toxicity of arsenic on biochemical, haematological, and histological parameters of Etroplus suratensis. In this study, sodium arsenate displayed a decline in the levels of Hb, RBC, MCV, glucose, and triglycerides and increased production of WBC, MCH, and MCHC, protein, and cholesterol in the treated groups. As it has negative impacts on the liver, gonads, and gills of the fish as toxicity increases with its increasing concentration. It is also noted that as rapidly accumulates in all tissues exposed to sodium arsenate. From this study, it is clear that as has deleterious effects on biochemical, histopathological, and hematological characteristics. More studies have to be done on risk assessment and its control in the marine environment.