A study on histological alternations in gill and liver of heteropneustes fossilis upon exposure to herbicide 2, 4 dicholophenoxyacetic acid

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of 2, 4 D on gill and liver tissue of Heteropneustes fossilis in order to understand its toxicity. The experimental fishes were exposed to two sublethal concentrations 3.00 ppm (1/10th of LC50) and 0.60 ppm (1/50th of LC50) doses of 2, 4 D for duration of 30 days. Histopathological analysis showed damage to liver and changes in gill architecture which were characterized by vacuolation, hepatic necrosis, disruption of gill lamellae. Alternation or change in gill structure could impair oxygen intake which eventually might cause death of the fish. The damage in liver tissue might be an indication of poor physiological activity as different important enzymes are secreted by it. Hence the application of herbicides in agricultural field and aquatic body should be monitored as it can reach humans through food chain.