ABSTRACT
Observation and results are presented of a detailed study of accumulation of copper measured from gills, muscles, hepatopancreas and small intestine of crab Barytelphusa gureini. The results indicate marked differences in the accumulation of copper in the above organs. Maximum accumulation of metal was observed in the gills and muscle as compared to hepatopancreas and small intestine. After recovery, the levels of copper in the various organs of the crab were below the maximum permissible limits, and appear to be safe for human consumption.
ABSTRACT
Toxicity of copper on some metabolic processes can lead to disturbance and imbalance of various physiological activities such as respiration, reproduction, bone formation, and metabolism of some nutrients. Copper sulphate is frequently used as a general biocide in the aquaculture industry. The present study reflects the effect of copper sulphate on lipids in some vital organs of the freshwater crab Barytelphusa gureini. Crabs of equal size were treated with different concentrations of copper sulphate (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 ppm) respectively. The mortality rate was noted up to 96 hours. After deducing the LC50, the crabs were treated with a sub-lethal concentration of copper sulphate (1.5 ppm) for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours respectively. Total lipid estimation was done in the case of sub-lethal concentration (1.5 ppm) of copper sulphate exposure and compared with the control group of crabs. The results showed a significant decline in the total lipid in the following organs of Barytelphusa gureini at sublethal concentration of copper sulphate – hepatopancreas (67.7%) < muscle (58.8%) < gills (47.3%) < haemolymph (powder form) (28.8%). In contrast, there was an increase in the lipid in various organs of control crabs – hepatopancreas (0.091 mg/100 mg) > gills (0.076 mg/100 mg) > haemolymph (powder form) (0.052 mg/100 mg) > muscle (0.034 mg/100 mg). The lipid reduction in the present study is a reflection of breakdown of lipid in stress situation.
ABSTRACT
Barylelphusa gureini, a fresh water male crab was exposed to sub-lethal concentration (1ppm) of copper sulfate, and the oxygen consumption and haemolymph sugar level of the animal were estimated to study the stress caused by this heavy metal toxicant. These animals are abundantly found in the outskirts of Pune district of Maharashtra State, mainly in and around paddy fields. They were brought to the laboratory from their natural habitat, and first subjected to acclimatization to the laboratory conditions. They were subsequently exposed for 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours to the toxicant, and the total oxygen consumption was studied by Winkler's method, and the haemolymph sugar level was estimated by Enthrone method. In the present study, total oxygen consumption showed a gradual declining trend from 0 to 96 hours in the experimental animals exposed to copper sulfate, while the haemolymph sugar level recorded an elevation, with maximum increase at 48 hours.