Cyto-genotoxic Alterations in Erythrocytes of Fish, Channa Punctatus Exposed to Benzo[a]Pyrene

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a source of profound global concern due to its intrinsic toxicity and potential to cause deleterious impacts on aquatic organisms. This study aims to assess B[a]P-induced genotoxic perturbations in fish, Channa punctatus. The experiment was designed for a 96-hour acute exposure period, involving four groups i.e., I- control, II- solvent control, III- 1/20th of 96-h LC_50, and IV- 1/10th of 96-h LC₅₀ of B[a]P, respectively, with four fish in each group. Following the completion of the 96-hour exposure period, micronuclei (MN), nuclear abnormalities (NAs), and DNA tail% were evaluated in the erythrocytes of test fish. Significant (p < 0.05) increments in MN, NAs, and DNA tail% were recorded in both the B[a]P exposed groups after a 96-h exposure period. The study conclusively confirms the DNA damage induced by B[a]P and underscores its profound significance in the conservation and effective mitigation of fish diversity in delicate aquatic ecosystems.