Hematological, Immunohematological, and Biochemical Responses of Fish (Tor putitora) to Marble Factory Effluents
Abstract
Marble factory effluents are wastewater containing various toxic pollutants such as heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn), calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), Silica (SiO₂), Phosphates (PO₄³⁻), Sulfates (SO₄²⁻), lubricants, oils, and organic compounds along with suspended solids and fine particles. In this study, the toxicity potential of soluble marble industry effluents was evaluated using fish, particularly Tor putitora (commonly known as Mahsheer), as the bioindicator. For 90 days, the effects were elevated on the chronic toxicity of environmentally relevant dosages of soluble marble effluents at 20, 30, and 50% concentrations. Hematological and biochemical analyses of cytotoxicity revealed a dose-response relationship. Compared to the control group, numerous changes were recorded in blood profiles and biochemical indicators in the effluent-exposed groups. RBCs, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Hemoglobin, platelets, and Hct values were substantially declined. Conversely, the Leukocyte counts were considerably enhanced, ranging from 100 to 220 (×103/μL). Alanine transaminase secretion was markedly elevated from 24 to 150 U/L at a greater concentration than the control, indicating liver injury. At the same time, changes in biochemical markers, such as glucose, total protein, and triglycerides, displayed a biphasic trend. Spectrophotometric nitroblue tetrazolium reduction assay highlighted that respiratory burst activity elevated due to the dose of toxic marble chemicals, ultimately reducing immunity. This study is of utmost importance as it sheds light on the Tor putitora, which was neglected for many years in environmental assessments. It also highlights the adverse effects of marble factory chemicals on fish biochemistry and immunity, providing valuable biomarkers for ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in aquatic environments.
