Copper and Cadmium induced histopathological alterations in liver of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) at varying water pH

Abstract

Histology of liver exposed to 36 hour LC50 concentration of copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) and cadmium chloride (CdCl2.H2O) with varying water pH (4±0.5, 7±0.5 and 8±0.5) was studied in an air-breathing catfish (Heteropneustes fossilis). The histopathological changes observed in the liver tissue post exposure included necrosis, degradation of hepatocytes, degeneration of blood vessels, distended sinusoids with pyknotic nuclei and vacuolation of cells. The degree of damage to the liver tissue was proportional to the nominal concentrations of the metals used. Further the pH of diluent water affected the alteration more acutely signifying a synergistic effect.