Histopathological Changes Induced In Liver by Long-Term Exposure to Sublethal Concentrations of Copper Sulphate in the African Catfish, Clarias Gariepinus (Burchell, 1822)

Adil A. Wani*, M. Sikdar-Bar, H. A. Khan and P. A. Pervaiz

Department of Zoology, Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar - 470 003 India.

Corresponding Author E-mail:waniadil@rocketmail.com.

ABSTRACT: The metals are discharged into aquatic bodies from many sources, often at sublethal concentrations. The hazardous effect of sublethal concentrations (2 and 5 mgl-1) of copper sulphate on liver histology of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus was analyzed histologically after 30 and 60 days of exposure. The control group was also maintained simultaneously. The liver of control group showed normal histo-archetechture, while as copper sulphate exposed fish showed cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear degeneration, focal areas of necrosis, hypertrophy of hepatocytes, pycnotic nuclei haemorrhage and haemolysis due to rupture of blood vessels. This research reveals that copper sulphate has a deleterious impact on liver histopathology of Clarias gariepinus, which could be a suitable biomarker for environmental contaminations.

KEYWORDS: Copper sulphate; Clarias gariepinus; histopathology; liver

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