Histopathological alterations of white seabass,Lates calcarifer,in acute and subchronic cadmium exposure

Histopathological alterations to white seabass, Lates calcarifer aged 3 months in acute and subchronic cadmium exposure were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The 96-h LC50 values of cadmium to L. calcarifer was found to be 20.12 +/- 0.61 mg/l and the maximum acceptable toxicant concentration (MATC) was 7.79 mg/l. Fish were exposed to 10 and 0.8 mg/l of Cd (as CdCl,H2O) for 96 h and 90 days, respectively. The study showed that gill lamellae and kidney tubules were the primary target organs for the acute toxic effect of cadmium while in the subchronic exposure, the toxic effect to gills was less than that of kidney and liver. Gill alterations included edema of the epithelial cells with the breakdown of pillar cell system, aneurisms with some ruptures, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of epithelial and chloride cells. The liver showed blood congestion in sinusoids and hydropic swelling of hepatocytes, vacuolation and dark granule accumulation. Lipid droplets and glycogen content were observed in hepatocytes at the second and third month of subchronic exposure. The kidney showed hydropic swelling of tubular cell vacuolation and numerous dark granule accumulation in many tubules. Tubular degeneration and necrosis were seen in some areas.     

银钛共负载型光催化材料降解甲基橙废水简

以膨胀珍珠岩为载体,采用溶胶凝胶法对其进行负载,制备出不同类型的光催化材料（TiO₂-EP、Ag⁺-TiO₂-EP）,并在模拟日光条件下,研究其对甲基橙溶液的降解效果。结果表明,浸渍3次且担载0.04% Ag⁺的负载型TiO₂光催化活性最高,在光催化剂用量为0.3 g,20 mL初始浓度为10 mg/L甲基橙溶液光照4 h后降解率可达81.6%,且甲基橙的光催化降解服从一级动力学方程。回收3次后仍有较强的活性,其2 h降解率为24.8%。     

Volatilization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from coal-tar-sealed pavement

The effects of the herbicide atrazine on the gill of the freshwater fish Prochilodus lineatus were evaluated after exposure of fish to 2, 10 and 25 μg L⁻¹ atrazine during 48 h (acute exposure) and 14 d (subchronic exposure). Ions and osmolality were measured in plasma and gill samples were taken to determine the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase (NKA) and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activities and for morphological analysis. Plasma osmolality and Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions changed depending on atrazine concentration, but atrazine exposure had no effect on the Na⁺/Cl⁻ ratio. NKA activity did not change after atrazine exposure, but CA activity decreased in fish exposed to 25 μg L⁻¹ for 14 d. Gill MRC density decreased after acute exposure but did not change in fish exposed to the subchronic treatment. The MRC density at the epithelial surface increased in fish exposed to 25 μg L⁻¹, and the MRC fractional area (MRCFA) increased in fish exposed to 10 μg L⁻¹. The changes in MRCs provide evidence of morphological adjustments to maintain ionic homeostasis in spite of the inhibition of CA activity at the highest atrazine concentration.     

Selected endocrine disrupting compounds (Vinclozolin,Flutamide, Ketoconazole and Dicofol): Effects on survival,occurrence of males,growth, molting and reproduction of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Daphnia magna</Emphasis>

BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE: Pollution-induced endocrine disruption in vertebrates and invertebrates is a worldwide environmental problem, but relatively little is known about effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in planktonic crustaceans (including Daphnia magna). Aims of the present study were to investigate acute 48 h toxicity and sub-chronic (4-6 days) and chronic (21 days) effects of selected EDCs in D. magna. We have investigated both traditional endpoints as well as other parameters such as sex determination, maturation, molting or embryogenesis in order to evaluate the sensitivity and possible use of these endpoints in ecological risk assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied effects of four model EDCs (vinclozolin, flutamide, ketoconazole and dicofol) on D. magna using (i) an acute 48 h immobilization assay, (ii) a sub-chronic, 4-6 day assay evaluating development and the sex ratio of neonates, and (iii) a chronic, 21 day assay studying number of neonates, sex of neonates, molting frequency, day of maturation and the growth of maternal organisms. RESULTS: Acute EC50 values in the 48 h immobilization test were as follows (mg/L): dicofol 0.2, ketoconazole 1.5, flutamide 2.7, vinclozolin >3. Short-term, 4-6 day assays with sublethal concentrations showed that the sex ratio in Daphnia was modulated by vinclozolin (decreased number of neonate males at 1 mg/L) and dicofol (increase in males at 0.1 mg/L). Flutamide (up to 1 mg/L) had no effect on the sex of neonates, but inhibited embryonic development at certain stages during chronic assay, resulting in abortions. Ketoconazole had no significant effects on the studied processes up to 1 mg/L. DISCUSSION: Sex ratio modulations by some chemicals (vinclozolin and dicofol) corresponded to the known action of these compounds in vertebrates (i.e. anti-androgenicity and anti-oestrogenicity, respectively). Our study revealed that some chemicals known to affect steroid-regulated processes in vertebrates can also affect sublethal endpoints (e.g. embryonic sex determination and/or reproduction) in invertebrates such as D. magna. CONCLUSIONS: A series of model vertebrate endocrine disrupters affected various sub-chronic and chronic parameters in D. magna including several endpoints that have not been previously studied in detail (such as sex determination in neonates, embryogenesis, molting and maturation). Evaluations of traditional reproduction parameters (obtained from the 21 day chronic assay). as well as the results from a rapid, 4-6 day, sub-chronic assay provide complementary information on non-lethal effects of suspected organic endocrine disrupters. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES: It seems that there are analogies between vertebrates and invertebrates in toxicity mechanisms and in vivo effects of endocrine disruptors. However, general physiological status of organisms may also indirectly affect endpoints that are traditionally considered 'hormone regulated' (especially at higher effective concentrations as observed in this study) and these factors should be carefully considered. Further research of D. magna physiology and comparative studies with various EDCs will help to understand mechanisms of action as well as ecological risks of EDCs in the environment.     

掺Al-TiO2改性膨润土去除微污染水中COD和NH4-N

采用掺Al-TiO2作为改性剂制备改性膨润土,考察了微波辐射功率、辐射时间、TiO2改性剂用量、铝盐掺杂量、pH值对微污染水中COD和NH4-N去除效果的影响。实验表明,微波辐射功率为460 W,辐射时间为8 min,TiO2改性剂用量为1.3 mmol/g,铝盐掺杂量为0.2 mmol/g为最佳制备条件。pH值为6.0,改性膨润土投加量为40 mg/L,沉淀时间为30min时,对微污染水中初始浓度15 mg/L的COD和5 mg/L的NH4-N去除率分别达到92%和59%以上。     

Embryo toxicity of pesticides and heavy metals to the ramshorn snail, Marisa cornuarietis (Prosobranchia)

An invertebrate embryo toxicity test with the ampullariid snail, Marisa cornuarietis, to assess the toxicity of pesticides and heavy metals recently was established. Snail embryos were treated with atrazine (100, 1000, 10 000, and 30 000 μg/L), imidacloprid (10 000, 25 000, and 50 000 μg/L), Ni²⁺ (0.1, 1, 10, and 100 μg/L) or Zn²⁺ (100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000, and 5000 μg/L). The effect of these substances was examined by monitoring the following endpoints: mortality, formation of tentacles and eyes, heart rate, hatching, and weight after hatching. Effects in term of a significant delay on the formation of both tentacles and eyes were found after treatment with 100 μg/L Ni²⁺ or 200 μg/L Zn²⁺. The heart rate was shown to significantly decrease at 25 000 μg/L imidacloprid or 1000 μg/L Zn²⁺. At 100 μg/L atrazine, 10 μg/L Ni²⁺, or 1000 μg/L Zn²⁺ a significant delay in hatching became visible. No significant mortality was observed for the tested concentrations of atrazine, imidacloprid, or Ni²⁺, while 5000 μg/L Zn²⁺ resulted in 100% mortality after 10 d. The weight of freshly hatched individuals remained unaffected in all treatments. On the basis of the lowest observed effect concentrations (LOECs) recorded, we could show the M. cornuarietis embryo toxicity test (MariETT) to react up to three orders of magnitude more sensitive (for metals) and at least one order of magnitude more sensitive (for the tested organics) than the established Danio rerio embryo test.     

H4SiW12O40/TiO2/beads光催化降解亚甲基蓝的研究

以钛酸四丁酯为原料,空心微珠为载体,采用溶胶凝胶法制备TiO₂/beads光催化剂载体,然后浸渍法制备出H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads表面负载修饰型复合光催化剂,并运用SEM、XRD、FT-IR和DRS对催化剂进行表征和分析。研究了H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads对亚甲基蓝降解的光催化活性,考察了光强度、pH值、曝气量、底物浓度和催化剂用量等对催化效率的影响。实验结果表明,在中性条件下,H₄SiW₁₂O₄₀/TiO₂/beads催化剂的投加量为0.25 g/L,浓度为7.5 mg/L的亚甲基蓝溶液在250 W的紫外灯和600 W的可见光灯下光照60 min降解率分别可达到94.5%和55%。     

Immunological alterations in juvenile Pacific herring, Clupea pallasi, exposed to aqueous hydrocarbons derived from crude oil

The effects of acute and subchronic aqueous hydrocarbon exposures in the ppb range (0.2-127microg/L total PAH) on the immune system in Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) were examined through specific immunocompetency assays and a host resistance model using Listonella anguillarum. Short-term hydrocarbon exposure at the highest concentration significantly enhanced respiratory burst activity (RBA) in macrophages and decreased plasma lysozyme concentrations, however, subchronic exposure (4-57d) reduced RBA. Fish in the high exposure group were also less susceptible to the pathogen L. anguillarum following acute hydrocarbon exposure; however, this group was the most susceptible following subchronic exposures. These results are explained by a measured transient physiological stress response and long-term effects on ionoregulation. This study illustrates that hydrocarbon-elicited effects are dynamic and that toxic outcomes with respect to the teleost immune system depend on chemical concentrations and composition, exposure durations and the specific pathogen challenge.     

Effect of two major N-nitroso hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine (RDX) metabolites on earthworm reproductive success

Soil and topical tests were employed to investigate the effect of two N-nitroso metabolites of RDX (hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) on earthworm reproduction. The lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for cocoon production and hatching was 50mg/kg for both hexahydro-1-nitroso-3,5-dinitro-1,3,5-triazine (MNX) and hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitroso-1,3,5-triazine (TNX) in soil. MNX and TNX also significantly affected cocoon hatching in soil (p<0.001) and in topical tests (p=0.001). The LOECs for cocoon hatching were 1 and 10mg/kg for MNX and TNX in soil, respectively, and 10mg/L in the topical test. Greater than 100mg/kg MNX and TNX completely inhibited cocoon hatching. In soil, the EC20 values for MNX were 8.7 and 8.8mg/kg for cocoon and juvenile production, respectively, compared to 9.2 and 9.1mg/kg for TNX, respectively. The EC20 values for the total number of cocoon hatchlings were 3.1 and 4.7mg/kg for MNX and TNX, respectively, in soil and 4.5 and 3.1mg/L in the topical test. Both MNX and TNX inhibited cocoon production and hatching, suggesting that they may have a negative affect on soil ecosystems at contaminated sites.     

Evaluation of HODE-15, FDE-15, CDE-15, and BDE-15 toxicity on adult and embryonic zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Diphenyl ether and its derivatives are widely used in the industry of spices, dyes, agrochemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Following the previous study, we selected 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4′-difluorodiphenyl ether, 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl ether, and 4,4′-dibromodiphenyl ether as research objects. The LC₅₀ (96 h) values for these compounds in adult zebrafish were determined with the acute test. Also, developmental toxicities of the four substances to zebrafish embryos were observed at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hpf. All the LC₅₀ (96 h) values of these compounds were between 1 and 10 mg/L, suggesting that they all had moderate toxicity to adult zebrafish. The embryonic test demonstrated that with increasing doses, 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether decreased the hatching rate, while 4,4′-difluorodiphenyl ether, 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl ether, and 4,4′-dibromodiphenyl ether delayed the hatching time but had little effect on final hatchability at 96 hpf. All of these compounds inhibited larval growth, especially 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether. Exposure to these chemicals induced embryo yolk sac and pericardial edema. Spine deformation was visible in hatched larvae after 96 hpf 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether exposure, while tail curvature was observed for the halogenated compounds. The overall results indicated that 4,4′-dihydroxydiphenyl ether, 4,4′-difluorodiphenyl ether, 4,4′-dichlorodiphenyl ether, and 4,4′-dibromodiphenyl ether all had significant toxicity on adult and embryonic zebrafish.     

Ozone-driven photocatalyzed degradation and mineralization of pesticide,Triclopyr by Au/TiO2

Triclopyr is a widely used pesticide which is non-biodegradable and enters aquatic systems. The ozone facilitated photocatalyzed degradation and mineralization of Triclopyr using Au-loaded titania as heterogeneous catalyst is reported. The oxidative degradation activity of the hazardous pesticide was investigated at pH 7.8 under varied reaction conditions, including in presence and absence of ozone, titania alone, in presence and absence of light and with different loadings of Au on support. Photocatalysis with 2% Au/TiO₂ in the presence of ozone yielded 100% degradation of Triclopyr in 2 h. The extent of degradation of pesticide and its mineralization were confirmed by GC-MS. For 10 mg/L of Triclopyr, 0.1 g/L of catalyst was found to be the optimum for mineralization. Results show that photocatalyzed ozonation with Au/TiO₂ as catalyst is a very effective for its removal. No leaching of Au was observed in triplicate runs. Catalyst was fully recoverable and reusable with no loss of activity.     

Environmental conditions enhance toxicant effects in larvae of the ground beetle Pterostichus oblongopunctatus (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

The wide geographical distribution of ground beetles Pterostichus oblongopunctatus makes them very likely to be exposed to several environmental stressors at the same time. These could include both climatic stress and exposure to chemicals. Our previous studies demonstrated that the combined effect of nickel (Ni) and chlorpyrifos (CHP) was temperature (T)-dependent in adult P. oblongopunctatus. Frequently the different developmental stages of an organism are differently sensitive to single stressors, and for a number of reasons, such as differences in exposure routes, their interactions may also take different forms. Because of this, we studied the effects of the same factors on the beetle larvae. The results showed that all factors, as well as their interactions, influenced larvae survival. The synergistic effect of Ni and CPF was temperature-dependent and the effect of Ni × T interaction on the proportion of emerged imagines indicated stronger toxicity of Ni at 25 °C than at 10 °C.     

Food utilization and growth of cutworm Spodoptera litura Fabricius larvae exposed to nickel,and its effect on reproductive potential

Food utilization and growth of the 5th and 6th instar Spodoptera litura Fabricius larvae, and its effect on reproduction potential was evaluated by feeding larvae diets with different doses of Ni for 3 generations. Dose-dependent relationships between Ni levels and food consumption and growth were variable with different larval developmental period and Ni exposure duration. RCR, AD and RGR of the 6th instar larvae were much more affected by Ni exposure than those of 5th instar larvae, and the effects were strongest in the 3rd generation. It was found that RCR was significantly stimulated after 1 and 20 mg kg⁻¹ Ni exposure, while AD was significantly inhibited after 1, 5, 10 and 40 mg kg⁻¹ Ni exposure. However, lower levels of Ni (?5 mg kg⁻¹) significantly increased and higher levels of Ni (?10 mg kg⁻¹) significantly decreased RGR. In 3 successive generations, 10 mg kg⁻¹ Ni significantly increased the ECI and ECD of the 5th instar larvae, and 5 mg kg⁻¹ Ni significantly increased the ECD of the 6th instar larvae. However, ECD were all significantly inhibited with 20 mg kg⁻¹ Ni exposure. Results also revealed that durations of larvae were shortened at low levels of Ni, but extended at high levels of Ni. Fecundity was inhibited by the highest Ni doses in each generation, while improved by low Ni doses in the 3rd generation. Hatching rates in all treatments were significantly decreased in a Ni dose-dependent manner. Study indicated that effects of Ni on these parameters were predominant with the increasing Ni exposure period.     

钛基IrO2-SnO2电极在烟气海水脱硫恢复系统中的应用

采用浸渍-热分解法制备了含IrOx-TiO2中间层的IrO2-SnO2电极,得到的电极具有较高的析氯电催化活性和较强的稳定性,并通过电化学氧化法对Na2SO3海水脱硫模拟液进行处理,考察了电流密度、温度、pH值和电解时间等电解工艺参数对Na2SO3去除率和化学需氧量COD的影响.结果表明,在电流密度为200 mA/cm...     

Characterization of primary precipitate composition formed during co-removal of Cr(VI) with Cu(II) in synthetic wastewater

BACKGROUND, AIMS AND SCOPE: Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] cannot react with either carbonate or hydroxide to form chromium precipitates. However, by using a precipitation technology to treat plating wastewater containing Cr(VI), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II), approximately 78% of Cr(VI) (initial 60 mg/L) was co-removed with the precipitation of Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) (each 150 mg/L) by dosing with Na2CO3 (Sun 2003). Direct precipitation by forming Cu(II)-Cr(VI) precipitates followed by adsorption of Cr(VI) onto freshly formed Cu-precipitates was subsequently found to be the main mechanism(s) involved in Cr(VI) co-removal with Cu(II) precipitation by dosing Na2CO3 stepwise to various pH values (Sun et al. 2003). This study was. carried out to further characterize the formation of primary precipitates during the early stages of copper precipitation and simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) with Cu(II). METHODS: Test metal-solutions were prepared with industrial grade chemicals: CuCl2 x 2H2O, Na2SO4 and K2Cr2207. NaCO3 was added drop-wise to synthetic metal-solution to progressively increase pH. For each pH increment, removal of soluble metals was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) and surface morphology of precipitates was analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). To further characterize the formation of primary precipitates, a series of MINEQL+ thermodynamic calculations/analyses and equilibrium calculations/ analyses were conducted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: MINEQL+ thermodynamic calculation indicated that, for a system containing 150 mg/L Cu(II) and 60 mg/L Cr(VI) with gradual Na2CO3 dosing, if any precipitates can be formed at pH 5.0 or lower, it should be in the form of CuCrO4. Comparison tests using systems containing the same equivalent of Cu(II) plus Cr(VI) and Cu(II) plus SO4(2-) showed that the precipitation occurred at a pH of around 5.0 in the Cu(II)-Cr(VI) system and around 6.0 in the Cu(II)-SO4(2-) system. The discrepancy of the precipitation was indeed caused by the formation of Cu-Cr precipitates. The initiation of copper removal at pH around 5.0 for the Cu-Cr co-removal test was not attributable to the formation of Cu-CO3 precipitates, instead, it was most likely through the formation of insoluble Cu-Cr precipitates, such as CuCrO4 and CuCrO4 x 2Cu(OH)2. Experimental tests, equilibrium calculations, MINEQL+ thermodynamic calculations and surface morphologies for systems using higher concentrations of Cu(II) and Cr(VI) further verified the most probable composition of primary precipitates is copper-chromate. CONCLUSION: In the Cu-Cr co-removal test with Na2O3 dosing to increase pH and induce metal precipitation, copper-chromate precipitates are the primary precipitates produced and contribute to the initial simultaneous removal of copper and chromium.     

壳聚糖-TiO_2吸附剂对银的吸附及纳米银的生成

将生物选择性吸附和光催化技术耦合合成一种新型的多功能壳聚糖-二氧化钛吸附剂(CTA),这种新型的多功能壳聚糖-二氧化钛吸附剂能够同时吸附重金属和降解有机污染物。实验发现,CTA对银离子有较好的吸附容量,在初始浓度为1 000 mg/L时吸附容量为100.3 mg/g,且吸附了银离子的吸附剂对甲基橙有更好的降解效果。扫描电镜表明,CTA紫外条件下吸附银以后表面会有纳米银的生成,能谱显示纳米银颗粒在一定条件下可以由CTA表面自行脱落。     

1H-NMR-based metabolomic studies of bisphenol A in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy was used to study the response of zebrafish (Danio rerio) to increasing concentrations of bisphenol A (4,4′-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol, BPA). Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to detect aberrant metabolomic profiles after 72 h of BPA exposure at all levels tested (0.01, 0.1, and 1.0 mg/L). The OPLS-DA score plots showed that BPA exposure caused significant alterations in the metabolome. The metabolomic changes in response to BPA exposure generally exhibited nonlinear patterns, with the exception of reduced levels of several metabolites, including glutamine, inosine, lactate, and succinate. As the level of BPA exposure increased, individual metabolite patterns indicated that the zebrafish metabolome was subjected to severe oxidative stress. Interestingly, ATP levels increased significantly at all levels of BPA exposure. In the present study, we demonstrated the applicability of ¹H-NMR-based metabolomics to identify the discrete nature of metabolic changes.     

活性污泥法处理高钙废水中污泥特性的变化

通过单级SBR法处理模拟高钙废水,研究了活性污泥法处理高钙废水的过程中钙离子对COD,MLVSS,MLSS,SVI,污泥增长速率,污泥形态结构及生物相的影响,揭示活性污泥法处理高钙废水的过程中污泥量巨大的原因。采用逐步增加钙离子浓度的方法,检测到在污泥培养期([Ca2+]=0 mg/L),COD去除率为98.1%,MLVSS和MLSS稳定在4 900~5 500mg/L,污泥增长速率为67 mg/(L·d),SVI为55~60 mL/g;在驯化处理期([Ca2+]=120~2 400 mg/L),COD去除率降至87.37%,MLVSS降至2 500 mg/L,MLSS增加至19 300 mg/L,污泥增长速率为212.31 mg/(L·d),SVI降至25 mL/g;在冲击期([Ca2+]=4 000 mg/L),COD去除率降至69.23%,MLVSS降至1 600 mg/L,MLSS迅速增加至24 200 mg/L,污泥增长速率为816.67 mg/(L·d),SVI降至14 mL/g。经显微镜观察发现,污泥絮体由松散变得密实,生物相由钟虫等指示性微生物变为不适应环境的胞囊结构。结果表明,随Ca2+浓度的增加,COD去除率下降,MLSS迅速增加,MLVSS和SVI急剧缩小,说明活性污泥中的活性微生物逐渐减少,而无机物组分逐渐增多;钙离子的加入促使系统碳酸平衡向右移动,使离子状态的钙大部分转化为难降解的碳酸盐,并附着于污泥絮体上,污泥绒粒被压缩,使污泥颗粒密实度及MLSS迅速增加,导致污泥排放量巨大。     

Subacute effects of a phosphorothionate pesticide on mixed function oxidases of wistar rats

Abstract

Subacute oral toxicity of a newly developed phosphorothionate insecticide (2‐butenoic acid‐3‐(diethoxy‐phosphinothioyl) methyl ester), coded as RPR‐2, was studied in male rats by oral (multiple) intubation of low (0.014 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1), medium (0.028 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1), and high (0.042 mg kg^‐1 day^‐1) dose for 90 days. The medium and high dose produced toxic symptoms along‐with some mortality (20%) occurred in the high dose treated rats. The medium and high doses caused significant inhibition in cytochrome P‐450 activity in liver, lung, kidney and brain tissues at 45 and 90 days. The high dose caused significant decrease in cyt.b₅ activity of all the four tissues at 45 and 90 days. Whereas, medium dose brought such effect in liver and lung at 45 and 90 days. Kidney and brain cyt.b₅ activity decreased significantly at 90^th day due to medium dose. Low dose also caused inhibition in cyt.b₅ activity in brain at 90^th day. Cytochrome P‐450 reductase activity was decreased significantly in liver, lung, kidney and brain at 45 and 90^th by the medium and high dose. The results indicated that RPR‐2 had potential to modulate hepatic and extra‐hepatic cyt.P‐450 dependent monooxygenase system of rat due to subacute exposure. These metabolic alterations were quite reversible after 28 days withdrawal of treatment.     

Hematological, biochemical and ionoregulatory responses of Indian major carp Catla catla during chronic sublethal exposure to inorganic arsenic

In the present study the acute toxicity of arsenic trioxide in fingerlings of Catla catla an Indian major carp was evaluated with renewal bioassay method. The median lethal concentration of arsenic trioxide to the fish C. catla for 96 h was found to be 20.41 ppm (with 95% confidence limits). From this a non-lethal dose of (2.041 ppm; 1/10th of LC 50 96 value) was selected and fingerlings were exposed to 35 d and hematological, biochemical and ionoregulatory responses were studied at days 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Arsenic trioxide produced a significant increase in hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, plasma GPT levels and reduction in RBC count, plasma sodium, chloride, potassium, glucose, protein, GOT, LDH levels as compared to the control group. Gill Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase activity was influenced by arsenic trioxide exposure. A biphasic response was noted in the value of MCH and MCV. However the MCHC level was not altered in arsenic trioxide treated fish throughout the study period. Results of the present investigation suggest that arsenic trioxide affects the hematological, biochemical and ionoregulatory parameters of fish and alterations of these parameters can be useful in environmental biomonitoring of arsenic contamination.