Arsenite induced genotoxic effect and its phytoremediation by Acacia catechu leaf extract in freshwater fish, Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Abstract

Present experiment design to investigate the As (III) induced genotoxic stress and its phytoremediation by ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia catechu, using micronucleus assay as genotoxic marker in freshwater teleostean fish, Channa punctatus (2n=32). After 10 days acclimatization, fish were divided into four groups. Group I, served as control. Fish of group II were exposed to 96 h-LC50/10 of As (III). Fish of group III and IV were exposed to 96 h-LC50/10 of As (III) along with different ethanolic leaf extract of A. catechu for dose standardization. A significant increase in frequency of micronuclei was observed in group II. This increased frequency of micronuclei was found to be reduced in group III and IV after simultaneous exposure of As (III) along with ethanolic leaf extract of A. catechu on comparing with group ll. Finding depict that As (III) is a potent genotoxic agent and A. catechu considerably reduces As (III) induced genotoxic stress in dose dependent manner. The outcome of present study is helpful in exploring the efficacy of A. catechu leaf extracts in combating the ill effect of As (III). Result is also significant for fish formers who can use A. catechu as a safeguard against As (III) contamination of water.