Abstract

STUDIES ON THE IMPACT OF THE PESTICIDES MALATHION AND DELTAMETHRIN ON THE FRESH WATER FISH GAMBUSSIA AFFINIS

Rajalakshmi Elumalai* and Subha Raju

Abstract

The present study investigated the effect imposed by malathion and deltamethrin on the fresh water fish, Gambussia affinis. Fishes were exposed to the pesticides for an experimental period of 24 hrs. Subsequently, various tissues such as brain and liver were dissected for AChE (acetyl cholinesterase), SDH (succinate dehydrogenase), LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase), ACP (acid phosphatase) and ALP (Alkaline phosphatase) activities. AChE activity decreased in both the pesticide treated groups however, maximum decrease was observed in deltamethrin (0.84± 0.05) compared to control (1.92± 0.05). Relatively lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase activity decreased in both the treated groups and a maximum decrease was observed in deltamethrin treated groups. In contrast, succinate dehydrogenase showed increased activity in deltamethrin and alkaline phosphatase in malathion treated groups.

Keywords: Gambussia Affinis, Malathion, Deltamethrin, Pesticides, Enzymes.