The Toxic Effect of Ametryn on Behaviour and Histopathological Changes of Freshwater Eel (Monopterus Albus)

Abstract

A study on the toxicity of herbicides was investigated with emphasis on behaviour and histopathological effects. Ametryn commonly used to control weeds in the paddy field. The effect of ametryn on fish especially Monopterus albus was unknown. This study aims to determine the acute toxicity of ametryn and its effects on the behaviour of the eels. The adult M. albus were exposed to 0, 0.75, 1.5 and 3.0mg/L of ametryn for 96 hours under laboratory conditions. The eels showed symptoms of abnormal behaviour responses during the exposure which are agitated behaviour, respiratory distress, and abnormal nervous behaviour. Mortality was increased by increasing the concentration of ametryn. This present study showed the effect of ametryn on kidney tissue changes. Hemorrhage and distribution of hemosiderin, hydropic degeneration, granular degeneration, tubular necrosis, narrowing tubular lumen and necrosis were major histopathological effects that occurred during the exposure to ametryn. In conclusion, ametryn is very sensitive to Monopterus albus. In lower concentration, they showed changes in behaviour and effect their organs.