Recovery ability of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) after a short-term exposure to terbuthylazine

Abstract

Effects of a high terbuthylazine concentration (3.3 mg/l) on Cyprinus carpio were studied using a commercial herbicide formulation Click 500 SC (terbuthylazine 500 g/l). The fish were exposed to the pesticide for 24 h and allowed to recover for 6 days. Biometric parameters, plasma biochemical parameters and biomarkers of oxidative stress as well as histopathological changes in selected tissues were assessed on day 1 and 7. After a 24-h exposure, there were significant alterations found in the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as well as in the plasma concentrations of glucose, natrium, chlorides, calcium and phosphorus. Hepatosomatic index, plasma albumin and lactate reflected the treatment with a delay. Ion levels and ALT were found to be restored after a 6-day recovery period, which was too short for AST activity and glucose to diminish to the control levels. The histopathological examination revealed disorders in the gills of the exposed fish, however, the changes were not detected after a 6-day recovery period. The study shows high regeneration potential of the fish. © Elsevier BV 2013.