Cypermethrin induced behavioral and biochemical changes in mahseer, Tor putitora

Area of Science:

• Environmental Toxicology
• Aquatic Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pesticides are widely used in agriculture, posing risks to non-target aquatic organisms.
• Mahseer (Tor putitora) are an important freshwater fish species facing population declines.
• Cypermethrin (CYP) is a common insecticide with potential ecotoxicological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the toxic effects of cypermethrin (CYP) on the behavioral responses and biochemical parameters of mahseer (Tor putitora) fry.
• To assess CYP-induced changes in liver, gills, brain, and muscle tissues.
• To determine the implications of CYP toxicity for mahseer populations.

Main Methods:

• Exposure of mahseer fry to an acute concentration of cypermethrin (CYP).
• Observation and recording of behavioral changes.
• Biochemical analysis of total protein, antioxidant enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, glutathione reductase), and lipid peroxidation in various tissues.

Main Results:

• CYP exposure induced abnormal behaviors including jumping, erratic swimming, loss of equilibrium, and air gulping.
• Significant decrease in total protein content observed across all tested tissues.
• Increased activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, POD, GR) and elevated lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels in a time-dependent manner.

Conclusions:

• Cypermethrin (CYP) exhibits significant toxicity to mahseer (Tor putitora) fry.
• The observed biochemical alterations indicate oxidative stress and cellular damage.
• Indiscriminate use of CYP poses a substantial threat to mahseer populations in natural water bodies.