Mercury levels and haematological correlations in Anguilla vulgaris

ABSTRACT

1. Mercury residues among different tissues and organs [liver, kidney, blood and muscles of Anguilla vulgaris were determined after their treatment with 1 mg Hg[+2/L]. 2. The uptake of mercury by fish organs and tissues was rapid, specially the kidneys which had levels mercury about 60 times as high as present in controls after 96 hr exposure. 3. Cellular blood constituents including erythrocuyte count, haemoglobin content, haematocrit value, total leucocytic and differential counts were measured. 4. A significant decrease was observed in erythrocyte count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit value after exposure to mercury resulting in anaemia which was interpreted as due to reduction in renal erythropoietin production due to toxicity. Leucopenia has also been observed in mercury intoxicated fish 5. Considerable changes were observed in differential leucocytic count