Effect of phenol on oxygen consumption and bioaccumulation in different tissues of freshwater fish Cyprinus carpio

The influence of phenol exposure history on the rates of phenol accumulation, elimination, and oxygen consumption was examined in the fresh water fish species Cyprinus carpio. Bioaccumulation and elimination of phenol from the kidney and biochemical parameters of liver gill and muscle were determined at intervals of 10, 20, and 30 days. A significant increase in phenol concentration was noted in all treated groups. The acute toxicity of phenol was 30.0 mg/L. Changes were dose and duration dependant when fish were exposed for 30 days to two sublethal concentrations of phenol (1.5 and 3.0 mg/L). Recovery post exposure was observed after transfer to normal tap water for 30 days. Elimination of phenol was noted, although the concentration remained significantly higher than the control. The longer the phenol exposure time, the greater was the percentage reduction of organic matter of the fish. Total protein, total carbohydrate, and total lipids in the tissues of liver, gill, and muscle decreased significantly. On the other hand, these parameters were higher at the end of the experiment than at the start (ANOVA P < or = .01).