Effects Of Sublethal Concentrations Of Zinc II Sulphate Heptahydrate Znso4.7H2O On Blood Glucose Level Of Freshwater Fish Heteropneustes Fossilis

Abstract Laboratory study was undertaken to evaluate glucose level changes resulting from the exposure of a freshwater fish Heteropneustes fossilis at different concentration of Zinc II Sulphate Heptahydrate ZnSO4.7H2O in water for three days. A group of ten fish were subjected to serial dilutions of the stock solution of ZnSO4 ranging from 25ppm to 500ppm in twelve large plastic bowls of 25 liter capacity by the semi-static renewal method. At the end of the exposure period blood samples were taken from the control and experimental fish. Blood glucose level was monitored. The study showed that the values of blood glucose have a positive correlation with concentrations of this metal. The glucose levels were found higher in the exposed fish when compared to the control. In conclusion the changes observed indicate that glucose level can be used as an indicator of zinc related stress in fish.