Acute Toxicity of Sumithion Insecticide on Freshwater Catfish, Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

Sumithion is widely used for crop safety and eradication of tiger bugs (Cicindela spp.) from larval rearing aquaculture ponds. The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of sumithion on catfish fingerlings. Fish were exposed for 96 h to six concentrations of sumithion (0, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 mg/l) each with three replications. The 96 h LC50 value was calculated using probit analysis. The fishes were sacrificed after 96 hour exposure to measure hemato-biochemical parameters. The 96 h LC50 value of sumithion for catfish was 5.876 mg/l. The values of RBCs and Hb significantly decreased in different dozes of the toxicant compared to control, while the values of WBC and blood glucose levels showed opposite condition. Consequently, the frequencies of formation of MN significantly increased in different concentrations of the toxicant compared to the control. The results of the current study denoted that sumithion exerts toxicity to catfishes. It is expected that the results of the present research will help in the development of awareness of the concerned people about the toxic effect of sumithion as well as other insecticides and pesticides in the environment.