Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management pp 26-36
Editors: Dr.R. S. Khoiyangbam
Dr. Ch. Raghumani Singh (2025)
ISBN: 978-93-94174-59-7
Chapter 3
Toxicity of Pesticides on Aquatic organisms: An analysis of the effect of Endosulfan, Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin on four Fish species
Ngangom Nganbi Devi*
Department of Zoology, Western College, Konthoujam, Manipur-795113, India
Maisnam Sapana Devi
Department of Environmental Science, Thambal Marik College, Oinam-795134, Manipur, India
L. Bidyalaxmi Devi
Department of Environmental Science, Ng. Mani College, Khurai Chairenthong Imphal East -795010, Manipur, India
Chongtham Vedamani Devi
Department of Zoology, Western College, Konthoujam, Manipur-795113
Abhik Gupta
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar-788011, Assam, India
Abstract
The use of pesticides has provided economic benefits by increasing food production, but it adversely affects aquatic organisms, especially fish. The study assessed the effects of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin on Trichogaster fasciata, Mystus vittatus, Heteropneustes fossilis and Lepidocephalus guntea. The results revealed that the 96 h median lethal concentration (LC50) values of endosulfan and cypermethrin were 1-2 orders higher in magnitude than chlorpyrifos. The toxicity of cypermethrin in all four fish species was almost comparable to that of endosulfan. The sublethal concentrations (1 and 10% 96 h LC50) altered the biochemical and enzyme activities of the fish liver, muscle and gill tissues. Significant alteration in the protein, glycogen and antioxidant enzymes was observed. A decrease in protein and glycogen concentrations in the fishes indicates proteolysis and utilisation of stored carbohydrates for metabolism. The increase of antioxidant enzyme catalase activity and lipid peroxidation level after exposure indicates that pesticides can induce reactive oxygen species, affecting the metabolism of the vital organs. These parameters can be biomarkers to assess pesticide toxicity in fish species. Fish populations may be at higher risk if the application of pesticides continues, eventually leading to their mortality. Extreme precautionary measures are mandatory for pesticide application to avoid harm to the rare, vulnerable, and endangered freshwater fish species and aquatic fauna.
Keywords
Pesticides, fish species, acute and sublethal toxicity, biochemical contents, enzyme activities
Cite this Chapter: Ngangom Nganbi Devi, Maisnam Sapana Devi, L. Bidyalaxmi Devi, Chongtham Vedamani Devi and Abhik Gupta. 2025. Toxicity of Pesticides on Aquatic organisms: An analysis of the effect of Endosulfan, Chlorpyrifos and Cypermethrin on four Fish species. In: R. S. Khoiyangbam and Ch. Raghumani Singh (Eds.), Emerging Topics in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 26-36. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-59-7_3
