Acute Toxicity and the Effects Of Copper Sulphate [CuSo4.5H2O] on the Behavior of the Gray Mullet [Mugil Cephalus]

Abstract

In this study, 96h LC50 values of copper sulphate [CuSo4.5H2O], a highly toxicant heavy metal, on gray mullet, Mugil Cephalus of average weight mean weight 7.42 g; mean length 6.51cm was determined. At the first, for rang finding test fish were exposed to CuSo4 at several selected concentrations 1, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 mg/L, then then fish exposed to five concentrations control, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 ppm of CuSo4 for LC50-96h. Experiment was carried out in triplicate and 21 fish per each treatment, Physicochemical properties of water were measured continuously throughout the experiment. The temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and salinity were 31°C, 7.75, 8.14 mgO2 L-1 and 37 ppt respectively. Number of mortality and behavioral responses of fish were recorded after 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. LC50 values were determined with probite analysis. The 96 hour LC50 value of CuSo4 to the fish was found to be 39.68 ppm. In addition, behavioural changes increased with increased concentration. The results obtained in this study clearly revealed the fact that it is necessary to control the use of a heavy metal such as copper. Keywords: Cupper Sulphate; Mortality; Acute Toxicity; Marine fish; Lethal Dose 50;