Mercury Induced Histopathological Changes in the Testis of the Freshwater Fish, Rasbora dandia

Aquatic ecosystems are under the constant threat of pollutants released by various anthropogenic activities. Xenobiotic metals like mercury often disrupt normal physiology and homeostasis of organisms. In the present study, reproductively mature freshwater fish, Rasbora dandia were exposed to sublethal concentration of 10 ppb of mercury for 30 days period. Histopathological changes in the testis induced by the mercury are studied. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) of the test fishes is affected by mercury exposure in the present study. Severe deterioration was observed by 30 days of mercury exposure. Other histopathological changes like reduced spermatozoa and proliferation of interstitial tissue are also appeared. The present study implies that chronic mercury exposure induces testis damage in fishes leading to impaired reproductive success.