Ecotoxicological insights: effects of pesticides on ionic metabolism regulation in freshwater catfish, Mystus keletius

Fish maintain their body fluid ionic and osmotic homeostasis using sophisticated iono-/osmoregulation mech- anisms through gills ionocytes. Pesticide-induced ionic imbalance in fish has been recognized as a valuable tool to determine its toxic effects. Acute exposure to synthetic and organo-chemical pesticides on the regulation of ionic (Na⁺, Ca²⁺, P) metabolism in freshwater catfish Mystus keletius was evaluated. Fish were exposed to sub- lethal concentrations (mg/l) of selected pesticide for a period of 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Results indicated that chemical pesticides - Impala and Ekalux - evoked adverse toxic effects on selected tissues compared to organo- chemical pesticide tested. Statistical analysis of the summative data using two-way ANOVA was significant (p- value<0.001). Variations in the cellular parameters analysed were attributed to the physiological acclimatization of fish to the pesticide exposed. Based on the results it is concluded that organic pesticides may be preferred for rice field application considering safety aspects.