KIKI SYAPUTRI HANDAYANI*, BAMBANG IRAWAN AND AGOES SOEGIANTO*
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to analyze and to compare the exposure effects of mercury (Hg) accumulation and its impact to the chloride cell of the gills of East Java strain tilapia (Oreo chromisniloticus). The fish specimens were exposed to 0 mg/L, 0.1 mg/L, and 1 mg/L concentrations of Hg.After 96 hours (96h) exposure, Hg accumulation in fish gills were assessed, gills structure, and Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) immunohisto chemistry (IHC) were observed under the light microscope. The mercury concentrations in gills of mercury-exposed fish were significantly higher at 1 mg/L than 0.1mg/L and control groups. Positive NKA expression in chloride cell (CC) was observed along the primary and secondary lamellae of gills of tilapia. The waterborne exposure route demonstrated the most significant microscopic damage in higher concentration of Hg.