Acute Toxicity, Behavioural and Morphological alterations in Indian Carp, Labeo rohita H., on exposure to Municipal Wastewater of Tung Dhab Drain, Punjab, India

Fingerlings of Labeo rohita were exposed to geometric concentrations (6.25 to 100%) of municipal wastewater of Tung Dhab Drain, Amritsar, India. 96h static non-renewal acute toxicity tests were conducted and simultaneously behavioural and morphological observations were noted. The 96h LC50 value along with 95% confidence limits were found to be 44.25% (38.47-50.92). The recorded values for chemical parameters such as TSS, BOD, NO3-N, O&G and heavy metals like Cr (VI), Mn, Pb and As were far more than standard discharge limits of effluents into inland surface waters. Fish in toxic media exhibited increased air gulping, surfacing, abnormal schooling, irregular, erratic and hyperactive swimming movements, hyper excitability, loss of equilibrium and showed vertical position prior to death. Morphological deformities included dark body colouration, excessive mucus secretion, loosening and loss of scales, haemorrhages on skin and fins, lateral flexure in caudal region and altered posturing of pectoral fins.