Determination of lc50 of lead acetate for a fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters)

Abstract

The contamination of water by heavy metal is a serious problem to the aquatic organisms. The present study was conducted to evaluate the 96 hr LC50 value of Lead acetate for the fish Oreochromis mossambicus .The acute toxicity test was performed according to the standard methods in APHA and the values calculated by probit analysis. The fish specimens were acclimatized in the laboratory conditions for 15 days. The average weight and length of fish used in the present investigation were 25-30 gm and 13-16 cm, respectively. The five groups of fishes were exposed to the wide range of lead acetate with different concentrations of 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30mg/L. All the exposed fishes were daily observed and dead fishes were removed immediately. The mortality was recorded on daily basis. The LC50 value at 96 hr was found to be 17.33mg/L to Oreochromis mossambicus. The susceptibility of Oreochromis mossambicus to the lethal effect of Lead acetate was dependent on duration as well as on concentration.