Histological Alterations in Liver of Anabas testudineus on Short Term Exposure to Naphthalene, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon.

Abstract

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) have captured the interest of many investigators worldwide because of adverse effects on aquatic organisms. Naphthalene has potential uses both for domestic and industrial purposes and is known to be discharged into aquatic ecosystems. Considering the overuse and the probability of elevated discharge of naphthalene in aquatic bodies, this experiment was planned to decipher the consequences of naphthalene on Anabas testudineus, a freshwater fish in terms of histological changes in liver under laboratory conditions. Variable concentrations of naphthalene based on 72 h LC₅₀ value (4.4-5 mgL^-1) were administered in water for 72 h. Naphthalene exposure caused histological anomalies like structural modifications in central vein, vacuolation, hypertrophication, necrotic hepatocytes, accumulated blood cells and lipid deposition. Significant modifications like necrosis, hypertrophication and vacuolation were noticed in the hepatic tissues of fish exposed to highest concentration of naphthalene. Hence, the current study exhibited that naphthalene pollution in aquatic ecosystem can affect the health conditions of aquatic fauna.