Effect of Mercury Chloride Induced Toxicity on Histology of Liver in in the Freshwater Fish Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (Valenciennes)

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropogenic activities are the major contributors to environmental pollution. Industrial discharges, automobiles, and roadways release particulate matter containing heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead, arsenic, and chromium. These heavy metals enter the food chain through plant uptake, posing serious threats to human and ecosystem health. In aquatic environments, agricultural runoff containing heavy metals can be toxic to both plants and animals. Mercury, in particular, is known to cause neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity in humans.

Objectives: The present study aimed to examine the effect of sublethal concentrations of mercury chloride on liver histology in the freshwater fish Hypphthalmichthys molitrix (silver carp).

Methods: Freshwater fish Hypphthalmichthys molitrix were exposed to sublethal concentrations of mercury chloride for durations of 10, 20, and 30 days. Liver tissues were dissected and processed for histopathological examination to assess mercury-induced alterations.

Results: Fish exposed to mercury chloride showed marked histological alterations in the liver, including vacuolization, necrosis, nuclear aggregation, enlargement of hepatocytes, and space formation. The severity of these changes increased with the duration of exposure, with the most pronounced alterations observed after 30 days.

Conclusions: The study concludes that mercury chloride induces significant histopathological changes in the liver of Hypphthalmichthys molitrix. Therefore, liver histology in this species can serve as a sensitive biomarker for assessing mercury pollution in aquatic environments.