Technical Session 1:

Title:       Behavioral, Physical and Biochemical Responses Induced by Diclofenac Exposure from Cyprinus carpio
Authors:  Rekha Rao, Basavaraju Manu, Arun Kumar Thalla
Abstract: Fishes are natural bioindicators. Their considerable adaptability and relative vulnerability make them the first and best choice for assessing the severity of pollution in a freshwater body. The age of the fish is important as each stage of growth responds in its own unique way. Diclofenac (DCF) was tested on Cyprinus carpio (fingerlings, juvenile and adult). They were monitored for the behavioral, physical and biochemical changes. The physical changes for the toxicity were observed at hourly intervals; while the swimming patterns showcased the behavioral responses. The biochemical changes were analyzed and quantified by Enzyme Assays: Acid phosphatase (ACP), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Acetylcholine esterase (AchE), conducted on the liver, muscle and brain samples of the fishes. The Lowest Observed Effect Concentration (LOEC), LC-50 and 100% mortality dosage were observed for all the growth stages. The damage was inflicted at the tissue level in the form of disruption of membranes, non-transmission of signals from brain to body and vice-versa, blocking of certain metabolic pathways, dilution of the blood and vital fluids, and variation in enzyme activity levels. The fingerlings succumbed to death at lower concentrations than the juveniles and adults. This is due to the lower resistance combined with maximum exposure and infiltration of pollutant in fingerlings than in the juveniles and adults. It was evident that Diclofenac is severely detrimental to the muscle and brain. The fishes were paralyzed to death.

Keywords: Diclofenac, Enzyme Assay, Behavioral Responses, Seizure, Cyprinus carpio
Pages:       022-025

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