Study on the Genotoxic Effect of Copper Sulphate in the Spotted Snakehead Fish Channa Punctatus (Bloch, 1793)

The genotoxic effects of a herbicide containing CuSO4 were assessed using the micronucleus assay in Channa punctatus. The study involved intraperitoneal administration of three different doses (1.0, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg body weight) and exposure to varying concentrations of copper sulphate (15, 25, and 35 ppm) in laboratory aquaria. Peripheral blood smears stained with 15 to 20% Giemsa (pH=7.0) were examined. Apart from micronuclei, the herbicide induced other nuclear and cytoplasmic abnormalities. The findings suggest a direct impact of increasing CuSO4 concentration on the biological samples of Channa punctatus. This fish species is commonly found in freshwater habitats like ponds, ditches, wetlands, and rice fields, especially in Odisha, India. India is crucial for maintaining aquatic biodiversity. The study highlights the potential detrimental effects of improper use of CuSO4 containing pesticides in agriculture on Channa punctatus and emphasizes the need for careful management of such chemicals to protect aquatic ecosystems.