EFFECTS OF SUBLETHAL COPPER EXPOSURE ON NUCLEIC ACID LEVELS IN FISH, OREOCHROMIS MOSSAMBICUS (PETERS)

Abstract

ndustries are the major sources of heavy metal pollution and it is released into water and soil. Heavy metals cause several ill effects to aquatic organisms and environment. In the present study, Fishes were exposed to sub lethal concentrations (1/16, 1/12, 1/8 and 1/4th of 96 h LC50 value) i.e. 3mg/L, 4mg/L, 6mg/L and 12mg/L of Copper Sulphate for four different exposure durations of 10, 20, 30 and 40 days. The Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) in different tissues such as Muscle, Liver, Gills and Kidney of Copper Sulphate (CuSO4) exposed fish, Oreochromis mossambicus has been studied. Decreased tendency was observed in RNA and an insignificant change was observed in DNA levels in all the vital tissues of fish exposed to Copper Sulphate over control. RNA content was gradually decreased with increased exposure period and the decrease was observed to be directly proportional to increased sublethal concentrations. DNA levels decreased higher concentration (12mg/L) and higher duration (40 days).