Mercury chloride intoxication on Oxygen Consumption of Freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus
Keywords:
Oxygen Consumption, Respiratory Metabolism, Mercury Chloride, Heavy Metal Toxicity, Oreochromis mossambicus, Stress PhysiologyAbstract
The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of sub-lethal mercury chloride (HgCl₂) exposure on the oxygen consumption rate of the freshwater teleost Oreochromis mossambicus. Heavy metal pollutants, introduced into aquatic ecosystems through anthropogenic activities, pose significant risks to aquatic biota. Results indicate a significant alteration in respiratory metabolism following exposure. A transient increase in oxygen consumption was observed at 24 hours post-exposure, followed by a marked decline at 96 hours compared to control specimens. These findings suggest that mercury chloride induces physiological stress, initially elevating metabolic demand before suppressing overall metabolic function. The implications of these changes for fish survival and ecosystem health are discussed.
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